This World Mental Health Day, we celebrate the power of lived experience in mental health support. The theme, 'Lived experiences heard', highlights the importance of listening to those with personal experience and ensuring their voices help shape the support available. Nearly one in seven people worldwide...
Oakleaf is a key delivery partner for Bridge the Gap, providing tailored one-to-one support designed around each person's individual circumstances and goals. Support can include help with physical and mental healthcare, finances, housing, daily living and accessing other services. The following anonymous case study illustrates the...
Rob Lloyd Oakleaf Trustee "A while back I promised to start the ball rolling and do the first of what we hope will be a series of pieces introducing the trustees of Oakleaf. I was asked to join Oakleaf’s Board nearly three years ago, and I’m there in...
A new Surrey-wide outreach service will launch this September, bringing together Oakleaf Enterprise, Catalyst Support and The Hope Hub to provide trauma-informed, person-centred support for adults experiencing multiple disadvantage. Russell Lewis, Oakleaf Outreach Worker The five-year partnership has secured £594,977 through Round 6 of the Community Foundation for Surrey's...
Marc is one of our wonderful clients, and his journey shows how the right support at the right time can make a lasting difference. Originally from Guildford, Marc spent much of his working life on the move. After training as an aircraft electrician, he worked for British Aerospace for ten...
https://youtu.be/zS7qtvHFLSA The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 is Take Action - but action doesn’t always mean big gestures. Sometimes, it starts with understanding, with listening, or with seeing things from a different perspective. If you’ve watched our recent tour video, you’ll have seen the Oakleaf building itself - the rooms, the spaces, the activity boards. But what you don’t always see is the perspective behind...
Shane’s Story: Building Confidence and Skills with Oakleaf https://youtu.be/Oac5liUM2ZA Starting a new chapter in life can feel daunting, especially when it comes after significant personal and professional challenges. Shane shares his journey with Oakleaf, detailing how counselling, guidance, and skills courses have helped him rebuild confidence, update...
Guildford, UK – 25th February 2026 – Oakleaf Enterprise and guildford.games are delighted to announce an incredible £9893.60 was raised at this year’s festival through ticket sales, a raffle, and generous donations at the Awards Ceremony. The funds will directly support Oakleaf’s mental health and wellbeing services across Surrey, from work-related training and wellbeing...
guildford.games festival and mental health charity Oakleaf announce new three-year community partnership Guildford, UK - 13th January 2026 - guildford.games and Oakleaf are pleased to announce a new three-year partnership designed to strengthen community wellbeing while celebrating Guildford’s position as one of the UK’s most influential hubs for game development. Oakleaf, which has supported hundreds...
As we mark Suicide Prevention Week (7th – 13th September 2025), it's vital to highlight the urgent need for support for young people facing complex mental health challenges. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among people aged 18–30, and early, accessible intervention...
Alex came to Oakleaf during a tough time. Today, he’s part of the team, supporting others while building his own future. We’re proud to share his story: “I want to express my deep gratitude for the support I’ve received from Oakleaf, and to share the difference...
Creativity as Connection: Calypso’s Story Oakleaf believes creativity and mental health are deeply connected. Through art, poetry, and playful expression, many of our clients have found new ways to process emotions, build confidence, and feel part of a supportive community. For the past eight years, transpersonal arts...
Oakleaf Expands Specialist Outreach Service to Support Women Affected by Gambling Across Surrey Oakleaf is pleased to announce the expansion of its specialist Bridge the Gap Trauma-Informed Outreach Service, delivered under the national Changing Futures Programme. This vital initiative will now provide dedicated support to women...
The Power of Community: Mental Health Awareness Week at Oakleaf What does community mean to you? For many, it’s a place of belonging, support, and connection. For us at Oakleaf, it’s the very foundation of our work. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re celebrating the power of...
Success Stories: The Impact of Oakleaf’s Employment Support Oakleaf’s five-year 'Path to Success' project, funded by The National Lottery, commenced in 2024. Led by our experienced employment advisors, it's more than just an employment programme - it's a lifeline. We are dedicated to empowering individuals facing...
The Bridge the Gap Alliance Secures Continued Funding to Transform Lives The Bridge the Gap Alliance, part Surrey’s Changing Futures initiative, has secured new funding to continue its essential work supporting adults facing multiple disadvantages, including homelessness, substance misuse, mental health challenges, domestic abuse, and contact...
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 sometimes replaced with pressure to meet goals or a...
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, Amazon donated an incredible £3,760 worth of gifts which were transformed into 82 personalised gift...
Promoting Awareness: Men's Health and Suicide Prevention in November As we mark Men’s Health Month this November, we turn our focus on the critical issue of mental health, particularly the struggles faced by men. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for men, yet...
Bridge the Gap is a trauma-informed outreach service that is part of the government's Changing Futures initiative. In collaboration with experts with lived experience, we provide person-centred support to individuals facing multiple disadvantages in Surrey, including mental health issues, housing instability, and substance use. Oakleaf...
Did you know that 1 in 4 people worldwide will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives? World Mental Health Day (WMHD) gives us an annual opportunity to raise awareness, break the stigma, and start meaningful conversations about mental health. This year’s...
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 implementation of a new ‘Path to Success’ employment project over the next five years. The ground-breaking...
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 facing mental health challenges, Julian found a community and support...
Oakleaf is always encouraging people to share their stories and experiences in the hope it will encourage others to do the same. We would therefore like to share a story from one of our newer clients, Emz, who has found solace and strength through Oakleaf....
The 13th-19th May is Mental Health Awareness Week for 2024, a time for increased conversations about mental health and what we can do to improve the wellbeing of ourselves and those around us. This year’s theme is ‘Movement: Moving More for Our Mental Health.' In a survey of 2,271 people,...
Steve with the chair he upholstered At Oakleaf, we are always encouraging people to share their stories and experiences in the hope it will encourage others to do the same. We feel it is so important to normalise those conversations surrounding mental health to help...
Bridge the Gap is a specialist ‘trauma informed’ outreach service (part of the ‘Changing Futures’ Government Initiative) that has been developed in conjunction with lived experience experts and alliance members to offer person-centred key worker support to individuals experiencing multiple disadvantage in Surrey. Oakleaf is a...
The Talbot partners with local mental health charities Oakleaf and Eikon The Talbot, a premier hotel in Ripley owned by Bespoke Hotels, is delighted to be partnering with local charities Oakleaf and Eikon in 2024 to support the mental health of young people and adults in...
Steve highlights how there is help for alcohol addiction in Surrey A former aircraft engineer has spoken out about how his alcohol addiction threatened to wreck his life. Steve Saunders, 66, from Pyrford, Woking says that what started as social drinking turned into an all-consuming addiction, which...
In light of #TimeToTalkDay, taking place on February 1st this year, we feel it is so important to normalise conversations surrounding mental health to help reduce stigma within our communities. We are therefore delighted to share Simon’s Story with you all. Simon self-referred to Oakleaf and became...
£1.4 million needed to support vulnerable people in Surrey Charities from across Surrey gathered at Painshill Park this week to celebrate the success of a project which supports some of the county’s most vulnerable people. Surrey’s Bridge the Gap programme supports people facing multiple disadvantage such as...
OHA Ltd's Magnus Kauders & Oakleaf's Jen Clay Oakleaf’s weekly Wellbeing Café, based at our premises in Guildford, has become one of our most popular activities since it launched in late 2022. Clients at Oakleaf are managing mental ill-health among other challenges, and our Friday café...
This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day is ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right’ set by the World Federation of Mental Health (WFMH). The day provides an opportunity to increase conversations surrounding mental health; how to look after ourselves and others, how to spot...
By Enya Galway Did you know that the UK was home to 57.60 million active social media users in January 2023, equating to 84.4% of the total population? In addition, the number of mobile phone internet users reached a staggering 59.88 million, with the average person...
During its second year (5th May 2022 - 4th May 2023), the project has exceeded our expectations by providing support to 210 clients, far surpassing Oakleaf’s initial target of 60 individuals. The project continues to operate as a friendly, safe and unpressurised drop-in service, offering clients...
Summer 2023 Photo caption: Jeff, Petroplan's Senior VP for Client Development, uses his volunteering leave to assist in sorting food at the Houston Food Bank Petroplan is a global energy recruitment company with offices around the world, including in Guildford. A long-time supporter of Oakleaf and member...
Mental health charity Oakleaf’s Safe Haven space in Guildford sees huge transformation We are thrilled to announce that the Safe Haven in Guildford has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteers and the generous support of WSP, National Highways and Asda Foundation....
In light of #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, we thought we would share a story from one of our wonderful former clients, Julie with the aim of continuing and normalising the conversation surrounding mental health while offering encouragement and support to those who might be struggling. Julie became a...
The 15th-21st May is Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) for 2023, a time for increased conversations about mental health and what we can do to improve the wellbeing of ourselves and those around us. This year’s theme is ‘Anxiety’. Anxiety is a common mental health issue that affects millions...
To all of our valued clients, supporters and volunteers, We are pleased to announce Oakleaf's new mission, vision and values with you all, which we feel better reflect the charity today and encompass the growth and changes Oakleaf has experienced over the recent years. To explain the...
We are thrilled to announce that Oakleaf won the Gold Award in the ‘Community Business of the Year’ category on Thursday 9th February as part of the SME Surrey Business Awards! The prestigious black-tie event, held at Epsom Downs Racecourse, shone a spotlight on the achievements of some...
At Oakleaf, we are always encouraging people to share their stories and experiences in the hope it will encourage others to do the same. We feel it is so important to normalise those conversations surrounding mental health to help reduce stigma within our communities. We are...
Award-winning stand up comedian and author, Dave Chawner has joined Oakleaf as a new patron of the charity. Dave Chawner is a number one best-selling author, award-winning stand up, presenter and mental health campaigner who sensitively uses humour to explore a variety of topics including...
Pro Drive IT’s Journey to a 4-Day Working Week: A Win/Win for All Watch Oakleaf’s Jen Clay interview Chris Morrell from Pro Drive IT on their journey to a 4 day working week here. If there was something you could do as a SME business leader which...
Vote for Oakleaf Enterprise in the Discount Promo Codes December Poll and Help Us Win a Donation! This December, we are taking part in the Discount Promo Codes charity poll, competing with two other charities to win a donation. The monthly poll is voted in by the...
With the month of November, comes ‘Movember’ - a campaign dedicated to changing the face of men’s health by raising awareness of men’s mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Many men struggle with opening up about their physical and mental health. “We respond...
In 2021 we were delighted to welcome market-leading software and business services provider C&C Group as a corporate partner of Oakleaf. Nearly two years on, we want to highlight the positive impact their support has had on Oakleaf clients and the services we provide. “At the...
On Thursday 3rd November, local mental health charity Oakleaf Enterprise won the ‘Community Hero’ award as part of the Surrey Business Awards for 2022. The much-anticipated awards, organised by The Platinum Media Group, are the largest of its kind in Surrey. Hundreds of the county’s...
On Thursday 6th October 2022, we raised an incredible £55,000 after costs at our 25th Anniversary Gala. Our generous headline sponsor Something Big enabled us to carry out our biggest and grandest event to date at the prestigious Mandolay Hotel in Guildford, with over 150...
At Oakleaf, we are always encouraging people to share their stories and experiences in the hope it will encourage others to do the same. In light of the World Mental Health Day 2022 theme 'Make Mental Health and Wellbeing for All a Global Priority', we feel...
“I would like to emphasize that every one of us matters. We all have a voice – let’s use it to make the world a better place.” – Professor Gabriel Ivbijaro MBE, Secretary General, WFMH[1] This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day on Sunday 10th...
Summer 2022 As part of the ‘Changing Futures’ Government initiative (jointly funded by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and The National Lottery), Surrey County Council has partnered with a number of charities and voluntary organisations like us, to deliver an assertive outreach programme...
We are pleased to announce that one of our wonderful Oakleaf At Home artists, Chloe has secured a new role working for the Guildford Safe Haven as a Peer Support Worker at Oakleaf HQ! She shares with us what working at Oakleaf At Home has meant...
Volunteers' Week 2022 will be running from 1st to 7th June during the #MonthofCommunity, which brings together organisations with a range of events in order to encourage us all to think about and join in with activities in our local communities. At Oakleaf, we feel it is...
This #MentalHealthAwareness week, we thought we would share a story from one of our brilliant clients, Matthew with the aim of continuing the conversation surrounding mental health online while offering encouragement and support to those who might be struggling. Matthew was diagnosed with mental illness about...
The 9th-15th May is Mental Health Awareness Week for 2022, a time for increased conversations about mental health and what we can do to improve the wellbeing of ourselves and those around us. This year’s theme is ‘Loneliness’. According to the Office for National Statistics, in total, 45% of...
We thought we would share a story from one of our lovely clients George, in the hope of reminding those of you who might struggle with your mental health that you are not alone and help is always available. George has been attending Oakleaf for three...
Our 25th Anniversary Quiz Night was a huge success! We were unable to host our 10th Annual Quiz Night in-person last year; we are therefore especially pleased to have hosted our 25th Anniversary Quiz Night in person again on Friday 1st April, sponsored by The...
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias; whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. We therefore feel today is an opportune time to support, thank and recognise the women that make up team Oakleaf, including both...
We are extremely proud to announce that this year is Oakleaf's 25th Anniversary! For over a quarter of a century we have been working tirelessly to support adults, aged 16-67, who are struggling with their mental health in Surrey. We help clients overcome huge barriers and work with them to rebuild...
Oakleaf At Home – beautiful home accessories that help others. We are extremely proud to be launching ‘Oakleaf At Home’– our brand-new social enterprise, offering an exclusive range of home accessories and gifts, alongside training and employment for Oakleaf clients. Did you know? 43% of unemployed...
This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day on Sunday 10th October is ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’ set by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). The day provides an opportunity to advocate making quality mental health care for all a reality, and...
If you would like to donate to the appeal, please click here. Oakleaf Counselling Bursary Appeal- Please help us to support some of our most vulnerable clients At Oakleaf we offer counselling services, to help clients manage their mental ill-health and cope with difficult life events. We ask clients...
We were so grateful that The Community Foundation for Surrey provided invaluable support to Oakleaf before and during the pandemic. Now, with the year behind us, we wanted to highlight some of the ways in which the Coronavirus Response Fund, managed by the CFS, has...
Summer 2021 Here at Oakleaf, we are very pleased to be able to continue running our 'Kickstart' Wellbeing Programme, one of our latest projects which began in January of this year to help clients' take those necessary steps towards a more positive and healthy lifestyle. While it's...
Guildford-based mental health charity, Oakleaf Enterprise, is today celebrating after being awarded three years of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to increase support for hundreds of individuals struggling with mental ill-health in Surrey. Oakleaf has been helping the community manage its mental ill-health since...
The 10th-16th May is Mental Health Awareness Week for 2021, a time for increased conversations about mental health and what we can do to improve the wellbeing of ourselves and those around us. This year’s theme is 'Connect with Nature'. Research suggests that a thriving, wildlife-rich environment...
Here at Oakleaf, we encourage our clients to share their stories and experiences so others can see that they’re not alone in the challenges they’re facing: “I first heard about Oakleaf from staff at Farnham Road Hospital, who recommended it to me as a safe space...
More than 50% of households in the UK are estimated to own at least one pet. Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, there has been an unprecedented increase in people seeking animal companionship to tackle feelings of isolation and anxiety. Pets have been incredibly beneficial to owners...
March 2021 We are delighted to announce a new corporate partnership between Surrey/Tyne & Wear-based C&C Group and Oakleaf. C&C Group provide market leading software solutions and products in the cloud to national UK critical infrastructure companies operating in the electricity, gas, water and the pharmaceutical sectors. Through...
During these extraordinary times with Covid-19 our virtual Wildlife Group has helped to form an online community for our clients. Research suggests that a thriving, wildlife-rich environment can benefit both your physical and mental health. Nature, through the role it plays in stimulating and encouraging physical activity,...
Summer 2021 The pandemic has highlighted just how widespread mental health issues are today, and as a result, mental health is being addressed on a much larger scale. But due to the stigma associated with mental illness, a lack of awareness, and limited access to professional...
January 2021 Lovetts Solicitors has been a supporter of Oakleaf for several years, and in 2020 we were thrilled to become their Charity of the Year. This award-winning UK and International business debt collection and recovery firm based in Guildford has over 25 years experience in what...
January 2021 At the start of 2020, we were delighted to hear that the award-winning Surrey-based print and packaging company, Stag Print, had chosen Oakleaf as their Charity of the Year. Little did we know they would be providing invaluable support throughout a global pandemic! With 2020...
January has earned a reputation as gloomiest month of the year. Blue Monday is usually loaded with post-Christmas pressures, miserable weather, and the struggle, for many, of adopting a new habit or routine, deeming it the most depressing day of the year. At Oakleaf, we...
This blog is written in conjunction with Shipleys, chartered accountants and professional business advisers based in London and Godalming It's no surprise that in a world where our jobs account for most of our time, our mental health affects our working lives just as our profession can...
What will Christmas be like during Coronavirus? There are few things as anticipated as Christmas. After months of social distancing, the promise of eventual normality has been keeping many of us going. But as festive restrictions look ever more likely, our holiday plans may also look...
Blue Christmas Written by an Oakleaf client So, it’s Christmas time again, shops full of people rushing to and fro, looking for that perfect gift. There’s the hassle of defrosting the traditional Christmas turkey, which probably won’t fit in the oven despite having left it in the...
We are delighted to announce that HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey Michael More-Molyneux has accepted our invitation to become a Patron for Oakleaf. He will be joining fellow Oakleaf Patrons Dame Penelope Keith and Shaun Attwood. We very much look forward to working together for better mental...
In September last year, Oakleaf became one of two chosen charities to be recipients of the 2019-2020 RAG fundraising efforts made by the University of Surrey Students’ Union. We are so pleased to have kept the title: University of Surrey's 'Charity of the Year' for the second year...
Summer 2020 During these extraordinary times with Covid-19 our creativity and mental health workshops have found a new virtual platform, forming an online community for our clients. At Oakleaf, we believe that creativity and better mental health go hand in hand. So, we wanted to shine a...
Mental Health First Aid Training: It is safe to say that the widespread Covid-19 lockdown has caused seismic changes to our daily habits and routines. Perhaps more importantly, regular sources of support like counsellors and charities are under severe strain themselves. We want to stress...
Here’s how to try and overcome it: As various Coronavirus measures and restrictions fluctuate and change across the world, you may be experiencing mixed emotions. For most of us, the Covid-19 restrictions have been disruptive at best. For others, having the opportunity to opt out of...
We thought we would share a story from one of our lovely clients Wendy, in the hope of reminding those of you who might struggle with your mental health that you are not alone and help is always available. We want to share with you Wendy's...
We are very excited to announce that we will be hosting: Oakleaf Live: Virtual Spring Festival Saturday, 30th May (afternoon - evening) We are running this event to raise much-needed funds for Oakleaf and awareness around mental health in the Surrey community. While also promoting the profiles of local singers...
Mental Health Awareness Week: 18-24 May 2020. This year's theme is Kindness. Mental health awareness week challenge - walk, cycle or run a total distance of a marathon over the course of the week (18-24 May), along with making one small (or big!) act of kindness each day. ...
Client Volunteering Opportunity: Are you a current Oakleaf client? Would you enjoy working with Oakleaf’s Board of Trustees? We are looking for someone to lend a client's perspective on all things Oakleaf. To find out more about our client volunteering opportunity, please contact Lorraine Andrews, Oakleaf’s Chairperson: lorraineandrews@oakleaf-enterprise.org Why...
Covid-19 Update: Both face-to-face and virtual support is currently available. We offer wellbeing activities, work-related training, employment support, one-to-one emotional support and counselling. Oakleaf HQ is open for: A variety of wellbeing activities and groups, both online and in-person (visit our Client Calendar) IT Courses, available...
As the Covid-19 crisis continues, all face-to-face Oakleaf services are on hold until further notice. As a result, our fundraising streams are being badly impacted; from having to cancel events to businesses cutting back on staff and charitable support. We are also aware that the lack...
As cases of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) continue to rise in the UK, we will all be self-isolating and social-distancing for some length of time. This means fewer face-to-face connections and more time being alone. It is normal to feel anxious, fearful, panicked, frustrated or bored, and if...
An update from our Chief Executive, Clive Stone As the Coronavirus epidemic continues to have a massive impact on our global community, we wanted to give you an update from our Chief Executive on what we are doing at Oakleaf in response to this ever-changing crisis. Firstly,...
For the second year in a row, Kelly's Storage Charity Events in partnership with the University of Surrey Student Union has chosen to support Oakleaf. At the inaugural Kelly's Guildford 10k, runners are invited to race from campus to town and back. They can explore the...
The start of a busy February weekend – 160 supporters and businesses put their general knowledge to the test at St. Catherine’s School in Bramley, taking part in our annual Oakleaf Quiz Night. Our quizmasters Clive Stone and Eli Beckett did a fabulous job hosting the...
It was so wonderful to see such a big turnout for our annual Oakleaf Client Christmas Party on 17th December. Christmastime can be especially tough for those struggling with mental ill-health. When it comes to the festive period, research by mental health charity Mind, found the consequences...
In celebration of World Mental Health Day, Oakleaf hosted one of its hottest fundraising challenges yet - the Oakleaf Firewalk. The theme for World Mental Health Day on 10th October 2019 was suicide prevention. Research suggests that over 800,000 people worldwide take their own life each...
The sun was shining and the crowds were out, with over 3,000 people attending Albury Music Festival on Sunday 21st July! It was a fantastic afternoon of music, showcasing many local musicians including; Ghosts, Annouska Assisi, Straight Circles, Fetcham Draught, The Jackie Lynton Band, and many...
Can you think of a better way to spend a summer evening than in the grounds of a beautiful country manor with a pinnic hamper in one hand and a glass in the other, listening to some of the finest musicians for miles around? Neither...
Dame Penelope Keith, patron of Oakleaf, introduced the Guildford in Harmony concert before handing over to our emcee of the night Matt Pinches of the Guildford Shakespeare Company who presented our wonderful choirs! First to sing was Guildford Vox, with a mixture of contemporary and traditional...
Oakleaf receives a royal visit on Monday 25th June as HRH the Earl of Wessex joins us in celebration of our 21st Birthday. His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex spent a beautifully sunny afternoon touring the services and facilities at Oakleaf. Several clients as well...
