09 Jul PRESS RELEASE: New Surrey-Wide Partnership for Multiple Disadvantage
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.
The five-year partnership has secured £594,977 through Round 6 of the Community Foundation for Surrey’s Mental Health Scale-Up Fund, supported by Surrey County Council and NHS Surrey & Sussex Integrated Care Board through the Mental Health Innovation Fund. The funding will enable the partnership to deliver community-based care focused on prevention, early intervention and crisis diversion across Surrey’s 21 key neighbourhoods, helping people access support close to home through trusted local organisations.
Client referrals will begin from 1st July 2026 for The Hope Hub and September 2026 for Oakleaf and Catalyst Support. The service is designed for adults experiencing two or more forms of multiple disadvantage – including mental ill-health, homelessness or housing insecurity, substance misuse, involvement with the criminal justice system, unemployment or financial hardship. By supporting people with two or more challenges, rather than waiting until needs become more complex, the partnership aims to intervene earlier and prevent crisis.
Through up to 24 weeks of one-to-one support, dedicated outreach workers will provide practical guidance and advocacy to help people navigate services, build resilience and move towards greater independence. Following this, beneficiaries will be supported to ensure a smooth transition into suitable next-step services, such as Oakleaf’s employment project, peer support groups, counselling and wellbeing programmes.
Clive Stone, Chief Executive of Oakleaf Enterprise, said:
“We are very pleased to have won this opportunity to support vulnerable adults across Surrey who experience multiple disadvantage. We are also delighted to be working in partnership with Catalyst Support and The Hope Hub, trusted organisations whose expertise and shared commitment will help us reach more people earlier, providing the personalised support they need before challenges reach crisis point.”
The need for earlier intervention has never been greater. At least 3,000 adults in Surrey are estimated to be experiencing multiple disadvantage, with research showing that 85% have experienced childhood trauma. Across the partnership, demand continues to grow: over 90% of The Hope Hub’s new homelessness referrals also present with mental health challenges, Oakleaf has identified around 100 clients showing emerging signs of multiple disadvantage, and 3,776 people accessed the Surrey Safe Havens last year, with more than a third presenting in crisis. Demand is forecast to rise by a further 12% over the coming year.
By bringing together three specialist charities, the partnership will provide a single, coordinated source of support, helping people navigate complex services, access the right help at the right time and prevent challenges from escalating into crisis.
Mags Mercer, Chief Executive of The Hope Hub, said:
“We are thrilled to work in partnership with Oakleaf and Catalyst on this key five-year multiple disadvantage project working directly with those most in need in Surrey. Funding of this nature allows for the necessary time and depth of support to be given to each person who is struggling with more than two disadvantages. Our goal is to empower people to improve their life situation and move towards independence.”
Sue Murphy, Chief Executive of Catalyst Support, said:
“This partnership represents exactly the kind of joined-up, community-based support that Surrey needs. Too often, people experiencing multiple disadvantage have to navigate complex systems at a time when they are least able to do so. By bringing the strengths of Catalyst Support, Oakleaf and The Hope Hub, we can reach people earlier, build trusted relationships and provide the practical and emotional support needed to prevent problems escalating into crisis.
We are proud to be part of a partnership that puts people at the centre, recognises the impact of trauma, and works alongside individuals to help them achieve greater stability, wellbeing and independence. This investment reflects a shared commitment across Surrey to ensuring that nobody falls through the gaps when they need support most.”
About Oakleaf
Oakleaf is a mental health charity based in Guildford, supporting adults aged 16+ who are managing their mental health. For more than 29 years, the charity has supported hundreds of people each year through counselling, wellbeing activities, employment support and work-related training, helping them build confidence, improve mental wellbeing and move towards brighter, more independent futures. Oakleaf is committed to creating a community where mental health is understood and never faced alone.
www.oakleaf-enterprise.org
About The Hope Hub
The Hope Hub exists for the relief of poverty supporting those who are homeless or those at risk of becoming so as well as anyone who is unemployed, struggling with mental health and/or substance use. We operate a holistic, trauma informed approach from our Day Service in Camberley providing hot meals, refreshments, access to laundry, showers, emergency items and outreach. Our Empowerment Services provide 1:1 support to anyone aged 18+ in need of support with housing, universal credit, advocacy, digital skills, training, volunteering and progression towards independence. The Hope Hub also manages a six-bedroom Emergency Accommodation House for Surrey Heath referrals.
thehopehub.org.uk
About Catalyst Support
Established in 1989, Catalyst Support is a leading Surrey charity committed to supporting people to improve their mental wellbeing, overcome disadvantage and build more positive futures. Working across communities, NHS partnerships and specialist outreach services, Catalyst Support provides a range of mental health, wellbeing, recovery and preventative services for adults. Guided by our belief that wellness is a right for all, and by our motto, Supporting Wellness Together, our Community, Specialist and Outreach services empower Surrey’s communities to thrive at every stage of their journey, through accessible, trauma-informed mental health and wellness support.
catalystsupport.org.uk
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