Transforming lives & building new futures for adults managing their mental health
TRANSFORMING LIVES & BUILDING NEW FUTURES FOR ADULTS MANAGING THEIR MENTAL-HEALTH
Based in Guildford, Oakleaf has been helping the local community manage its mental health for over 25 years
Please note: Oakleaf now supports everyone over the age of 16.
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Christmas 2024: Oakleaf is closed between Friday 20th December and Thursday 2nd January 2025, during which no new referrals will be processed. During this time, the Guildford Safe Haven will remain open at Oakleaf for drop in support every evening between 6-11pm.
What We Do
We offer a wide range of services to our clients to empower them to gain the skills, support and confidence needed to manage their mental health and achieve their goals:
Designed to build confidence, physical health and wellbeing; reducing isolation and loneliness.
Courses in IT and Gardening help our clients gain the skills and qualifications needed to return to the world of work.
Our ‘Path to Success’ Employment Project delivers tailored employment training and mentoring for clients.
Clients have access to counselling sessions with our BACP-registered service to aid their recovery.
You can view Oakleaf’s main leaflet here.
Please note we have a new email for all client-related queries: client-services@oakleaf-enterprise.org
Steve’s Story
Steve has faced various challenges throughout his life but always found it difficult to ask for help. During the pandemic, he caught Covid, badly affecting his physical health. He then lost his job and that alongside health concerns and a serious heart problem, meant his mental health suffered even more.
After taking steps to get help, Steve found clinical support ineffective, and ended up being passed from place to place. He felt like a ‘problem’ and didn’t trust anyone. No one was willing to fully listen or seemed to understand what he was going through, and he was at a very low place in life. He felt hopeless and couldn’t see any reason to carry on. His confidence was at an all-time low and he felt useless.
Steve was eventually referred to Oakleaf as a client and found the Upholstery course. He says, “Coming to Oakleaf has given me my self-respect back. It has saved my life”.
He looks forward to coming to Oakleaf every Tuesday to be creative, learn new skills and remember what he is capable of: “It is a time for learning but also laughter, friendship and fun; time to forget about the difficult things”.
He is gradually getting his confidence back and feels really proud of what he has achieved: “’Oakleaf has helped me beyond words. It has made me feel more human again”.
Steve also had kind words to say about Oakleaf’s Upholstery Trainer, Sarah: “Sarah is an excellent craftsperson but also really understanding, sympathetic and non-judgemental. When I talk to her it feels more like I am talking to a friend than a course leader. She gives me genuinely good advice and makes me feel safe and comfortable. I feel like one of the team!”
Steve is a little worried about ‘next steps’ once he finishes his course. However, the Oakleaf team has reassured him that if he is still in need of support, he can remain a client and access any of the other programmes we offer. He knows that being at Oakleaf keeps him well and hopes to join some of the activities available, ensuring Oakleaf remains part of his life, as long as he needs it.
Oakleaf’s Impact in 2023/24
(between 1st April 2023 – 31st March 2024)
Employment
259
clients were supported on our employment project
progressed into paid/voluntary employment
gained a certificate/qualification
I don't know where I'd be without Oakleaf.
517
active clients at Oakleaf
Wellbeing
325
clients took part in one or more wellbeing activities
4887
attendances to online and in-person wellbeing activities
Counselling
2028
counselling sessions were delivered
Coming to Oakleaf instilled in me a 'one step at a time' mentality. I felt I was seen, heard and understood.
86%
of clients experienced a meaningful positive change to their wellbeing
(using the Warwick-Edinburgh scale)
2305
attendances to the Safe Haven
Support Us
Events
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Current News & Blog
To see our full portfolio of news, events, press releases, client and guest stories, and blogs, please click here.
BLOG: Navigating the New Year
As we pack away the Christmas decorations are return to our daily routines, January can often feel like a challenging month. The sparkle of the festive season fades, and the excitement of New Year’s resolutions is s
08 January, 2025PRESS RELEASE: Oakleaf & Amazon Join Forces to Support Mental Health & Wellbeing in Surrey
Oakleaf is thrilled to announce support from Amazon in Weybridge, bringing essential help to individuals facing mental ill-health in the Surrey community. Through their hard work volunteering and via in-kind support
19 November, 2024
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