PRESS RELEASE: Oakleaf Welcomes New Patron

30 Jan PRESS 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 campaigner who sensitively uses humour to explore a variety of topics including those surrounding mental health with the aim of informing, educating and entertaining.

In 2014, Dave Chawner drew on his personal experience with Anorexia during his first Edinburgh show, which received critical acclaim, had sell-out shows and went on tour in the UK. As a result, the show was given an award by The UK’s Eating Disorder Charity at The Houses of Parliament.

Since then, Dave has provided a TED talk on the topic of eating disorders, written for National newspapers, made several appearances on popular TV and Radio shows as well as written a book about his own experiences.

Dave continues to use his sell-out shows as a platform to stress the difference between mental health and mental illness, and will now be very generously assisting Oakleaf in helping to raise awareness of the vital mental health and wellbeing support that the charity offers to hundreds of individuals across Surrey:

“I’m so proud to join Oakleaf as a patron for numerous different reasons. As someone who has had mental health problems, I needed help getting back on track – with building personal and professional skills, as well as equipping myself with everything I needed to become responsible for my own recovery.

“Oakleaf does all this and so much more at a time where it’s never been so important.”

Dave has also created an exciting initiative called ‘Comedy For Coping’, which engages hard-to-reach groups who can be reluctant to engage in mental health support and teaches them stand-up comedy as a method of building their confidence, communication and connection with others. This helps combat loneliness and literally provides a platform for them to stand up for themselves. 

Oakleaf’s Chief Executive Clive Stone, said: “We are all truly delighted that Dave has agreed to become a Patron for Oakleaf. It is great that he can really identify with our work and understand our client group. This knowledge and passion will aide him in being an advocate for all we do. We are very much looking forward to working with him and as well as raising funds and awareness, we also know he will raise a smile.”

Notes to Editors:

Contact details:
Jen Clay – Head of Fundraising & Engagement, Oakleaf
01483 303649
jenclay@oakleaf-enterprise.org
https://www.oakleaf-enterprise.org/

About: Oakleaf
Oakleaf provides support for clients aged 16-67 through a wide range of wellbeing activities and support groups, work-related training and employment guidance as well as counselling and on-to-one emotional support. The charity also acts as a social enterprise, selling services to the public – the income of which is fed straight back to the charity. Their mission is to foster confidence and reduce social isolation by actively training, engaging and supporting individuals with mental ill-health to empower them to participate as active members of society.
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About: Dave Chawner
Main website: https://www.davechawner.co.uk
Comedy For Coping: https://www.comedyforcoping.com