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.
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
18724
client attendances and meetings
507
clients attended an activity at Oakleaf
2180
attendances to the Guildford Safe Haven
42
clients progressed into paid or voluntary employment
62
clients gained a certificate or qualification
2025
counselling sessions delivered
Support Us
Events
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Volunteer
Volunteer your time or skills
Trusts & Legacies
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Partnerships
Support Oakleaf through your business or community group
Current News & Blog
To see our full portfolio of news, events, press releases, client and guest stories, and blogs, please click here.
PRESS RELEASE: Oakleaf receives National Lottery funding to empower individuals facing multiple challenges
Guildford-based mental health charity, Oakleaf Enterprise, is proud to announce it has been awarded a generous grant of £626,828 by The National Lottery Community Fund. This funding will facilitate the implementatio
09 July, 2024Julian’s Story
At Oakleaf, we are committed to providing vital mental health and wellbeing support for our clients. Julian’s story is a powerful example of the impact our services can have. After moving to Guildford and faci
02 July, 2024
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