Oakleaf Enterprise
Oakleaf is a charity based in Guildford which helps people in Surrey with mental health issues return to employment and education. Since 1997, Oakleaf has enabled people to restore their confidence and develop skills to rebuild their lives. Oakleaf delivers vocational training (predominantly in horticulture, IT and upholstery) to local adults suffering mental illness. We also provide wider support through programmes such as our social inclusion activities (to help reduce isolation often resulting from mental ill-health), counselling and job-seeking assistance. Each of these elements of our work aims to support clients on their return to health, to their communities and to the workplace. Studies show that a supportive and structured return to work significantly reduces stress and anxiety among vulnerable people with mental health needs, and can be a critical factor when re-entering employment. Many of our clients view their return to work as a yardstick of their recovery.
