NEWS: An update from our Chief Executive, Clive Stone

20 Mar NEWS: An update from our Chief Executive, Clive Stone

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, we hope everyone is keeping safe and well and want to reassure you that the safety and wellbeing of our clients, volunteers and staff are of paramount importance.

In line with the latest Government Advice, all face-to-face Oakleaf services are on hold until further notice. In order to support the hundreds of clients currently in our care, we are working around the clock to set up activities and support remotely.

This includes: offering video Wellbeing Activities (such as sound therapy, tai chi, fitness classes and group support); conducting assessments over the phone; working with our local volunteer bureau to coordinate local support such as food drop sites; weekly check in calls with Client Services staff; and counselling over the phone and via video call.

These are our initial plans, which will be under constant review. Perhaps the beauty of being a small charity, we can respond flexibly and quickly to changing circumstances.

However, we are aware that the lack of regular face-to-face support is having a huge impact on our clients. Many of whom are isolating without family and already coping with mental ill-health. Our absolute priority is to support as many clients as possible through this crisis.

We also know that this emergency will impact the mental health of all of us. I am certain that when this current crisis ends, many more people will be requiring our support. I urgently want to make sure that Oakleaf can provide this.

Unfortunately, many of our fundraising streams will be badly impacted by this upheaval; from events being cancelled to businesses already cutting back staff and charitable support.

And yet our vulnerable clients need Oakleaf more than ever.

If you are able to donate to Oakleaf and help us provide much-needed support as funding sources vanish, we would be incredibly grateful. We  need you now more than ever.

You can donate a one-off gift or a regular monthly donation here, or you can set up a Virgin Money Giving fundraising page. However you are able to support us, we appreciate it.

With best wishes,

Clive Stone

If you have any questions or would like to support Oakleaf in other ways, please get in touch by emailing jenclay@oakleaf-enterprise.org, or by calling 01483 303649 / 07753 255078