07 Dec NEWS: 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 challenges, and our Friday café serves as a welcoming and familiar environment, providing a safe space for our clients to meet others and receive support from staff and peers alike.
‘The Wellbeing Café has helped me be able to talk to others more.’ – Oakleaf client
When funding for the café ended in the autumn, local company Occupational Health Assessment Ltd generously agreed to sponsor the group through to Spring 2024, covering approximately six months of costs. Magnus Kauders, Managing Director, said “We’re very happy to be able to support the wonderful team at Oakleaf and play a small part in making sure there are safe, warm places for people to go for support and sanctuary when they’re in a time of need”.
The café serves complementary hot beverages and food, and is run by a dedicated Oakleaf client volunteer, Jaki. Her lived experience and warm disposition enables clients to feel comfortable sharing their difficulties or challenges.
Jaki shared why she chooses to volunteer her time and support for the Wellbeing Café:
“I offered to volunteer at Oakleaf’s Wellbeing Café every Friday afternoon, where I would ask clients how their week had been or what they were up to over the weekend, if there were any sessions at Oakleaf that they’d tried or would like to try. I felt I was able to get people to open up and share their thoughts and feelings as well as help them to feel seen, heard and understood without any judgement. This is why I have chosen to give back to Oakleaf, because they have given so much to me, and so much to others.”
Jaki courageously shared her story of what brought her to Oakleaf in our recent blog, as well as in this short video:
The group promotes a sense of community and belonging, and has resulted in genuine friendship: “The café has enabled me to connect with others.” – Oakleaf client
The café also serves as an opportunity for regular check-ins, peer support, meetings with our experienced Client Services team and facilitating early access to other relevant services in and out of Oakleaf.
Recent feedback from July of this year indicated that 100% of surveyed attendees rated the café ‘Excellent’. Well attended each week, the group is having a positive impact on client’s lives and we couldn’t be more grateful to Occupational Health Assessment for their support in enabling the café to continue!
Occupational Health Assessment Ltd provides rapid access to specialist occupational health opinions and advice. Find out more: https://occupationalhealthassessment.com/
If you would like to find out more about becoming a client or join in with any of Oakleaf’s wellbeing activities, work-related training, employment support, counselling sessions or volunteering opportunities, please click here.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please make use of the resources below:
Oakleaf: 01483 303649 | info@oakleaf-enterprise.org
Mind: How to Find a Therapist
SABP Crisis Helpline: 0800 915 4644
Samaritans: 116 123 (24 hours)
Citizens Advice: 03444 111 444 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
Surrey Safe Havens: 6-11pm, 365 days a year
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