Current News & Blog
Click here to download our latest newsletter. To see our previous newsletters you can visit our Issuu portfolio.
BLOG: Employment Project Success Stories
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 advis
20 February, 2025PRESS RELEASE: BRIDGE THE GAP ALLIANCE
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 adul
13 February, 2025BLOG: 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, 2024GUEST BLOG: Men’s Health Month – The Shape of Hope
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 m
05 November, 2024A Heartfelt Testimonial: Bridge the Gap’s Life-Changing Mental Health Support
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 indi
17 October, 2024BLOG: World Mental Health Day 2024
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 s
04 October, 2024PRESS 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, 2024BLOG: Emz’s Story
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 f
12 June, 2024Mental Health Awareness Week at Oakleaf 2024
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. Th
13 May, 2024BLOG: Steve’s Story
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
12 April, 2024BLOG: Bridge the Gap Stories
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 o
05 March, 2024PRESS RELEASE: The Talbot Partners with Oakleaf and Eikon
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
27 February, 2024PRESS RELEASE: Bridge the Gap – Steve’s Story
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 say
02 February, 2024Simon’s Story
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 therefor
16 January, 2024PRESS RELEASE: Bridge the Gap
£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
02 January, 2024NEWS: Occupational Health Assessment Ltd Sponsors Oakleaf’s Wellbeing Café
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 challe
07 December, 2023BLOG: World Mental Health Day – Jaki’s Story
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
09 October, 2023BLOG: Understanding the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Tips for a Healthy Online Presence
By Enya Galway 1. The tendency to compare ourselves to others: Social media platforms often portray an idealised version of people’s lives; showcasing their accomplishments, holidays, relationship milestones and per
15 August, 2023BLOG: Oakleaf’s Pathway’s to Work Employment Project: Year Two
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 conti
26 July, 2023BLOG: Petroplan’s Wellbeing Journey
Summer 2023 Petroplan is a global energy recruitment company with offices around the world, including in Guildford. A long-time supporter of Oakleaf and member of our Mental Health Leaders Network, the company’s HR
13 July, 2023PRESS RELEASE: Guildford Safe Haven Renovation
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 dedicate
12 June, 2023BLOG: Julie’s Story
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 o
04 May, 2023BLOG: Mental Health Awareness Week at Oakleaf 2023
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 the
03 May, 2023NEWS: Oakleaf’s Mission, Vision & Values
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 growt
14 April, 2023NEWS: Oakleaf Wins Community Business of the Year
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
21 February, 2023BLOG: Ash’s Story
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
09 February, 2023PRESS RELEASE: Oakleaf Welcomes New Patron
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 campa
30 January, 2023BLOG: Pro Drive IT’s Journey to a 4-Day Working Week
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 c
07 December, 2022December Charity Poll: Help Us Win a Donation!
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
07 December, 2022BLOG: Men’s Health Awareness Month 2022
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 testicula
17 November, 2022BLOG: Two Years of Support for Mental Health from C&C Group
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 suppor
10 November, 2022PRESS RELEASE: Oakleaf ‘Community Hero’ Winners for 2022
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 Gr
08 November, 2022PRESS RELEASE: Oakleaf’s 25th Anniversary Gala – A Rousing Success
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 t
20 October, 2022GUEST BLOG: Jonny’s Story
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 a
13 October, 2022BLOG: Make Mental Health and Wellbeing for All a Global Priority
“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 fo
06 October, 2022BLOG: Changing Futures – New Partnership with Surrey County Council
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 nu
20 July, 2022BLOG: Chloe’s Story
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
12 July, 2022BLOG: Volunteers’ Week 2022
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
26 May, 2022BLOG: Matthew’s Story
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 encouragemen
10 May, 2022BLOG: Mental Health Awareness Week – Loneliness
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 ‘L
06 May, 2022BLOG: George’s Story
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 h
29 April, 2022NEWS: Oakleaf’s 25th Anniversary Quiz Night
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
11 April, 2022BLOG: International Women’s Day 2022
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 suppor
24 February, 2022NEWS: Oakleaf’s 25th Anniversary
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 men
14 January, 2022PRESS RELEASE: New social enterprise, Oakleaf At Home
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, al
21 December, 2021BLOG: Mental Health in an Unequal World
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 qu
08 October, 2021NEWS: Oakleaf Counselling Bursary Appeal
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 ser
30 September, 2021BLOG: Critical Funding Support in Unprecedented Times
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
06 September, 2021BLOG: Kickstart Wellbeing Programme
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’
13 July, 2021PRESS RELEASE: Oakleaf receives National Lottery Funding as part of ‘Pathways to Work’ Project
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 individu
21 May, 2021BLOG: Mental Health Awareness Week – Connect With Nature
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 the
06 May, 2021BLOG: Russell’s Story
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 Hos
07 April, 2021BLOG: Pets and Mental Health
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 i
30 March, 2021NEWS: New partnership with C&C Group
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 t
25 March, 2021BLOG: Wildlife Group
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
22 February, 2021BLOG: Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
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 ill
02 February, 2021BLOG: Partnership with Lovetts Solicitors
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 a
21 January, 2021BLOG: Stag Print’s support of Oakleaf
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 woul
15 January, 2021
