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Surrey Mental Health Charity Receives Royal Visit

3rd July 2018

Surrey received a royal visit on Monday 25^th June as HRH the Earl of Wessex visited Mental Health Charity, Oakleaf Enterprise, in celebration of their 21^st Birthday.

His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex spent a beautifully sunny afternoon touring the services and facilities on offer at the charity’s headquarters in the centre of Guildford.

HRH was received by the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux and presented to the Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons, Chairman of Oakleaf, Nick Powell and the charity’s Patrons Dame Penelope Keith and author Shaun Attwood.

Oakleaf has been supporting people in Surrey with mental ill health return to employment and education, since 1997. It has enabled people to restore their confidence and reduce social isolation by actively training and engaging individuals to develop skills; empowering them to participate as active members of the community.

“We’re thrilled to be celebrating 21 years as a charity this year and marking the occasion with a visit from His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex,” said Clive Stone, Chief Executive of Oakleaf. “Mental illness affects all of us in some way or another. By integrating our clients into society and helping them re-enter the workplace through training and confidence-building activities, we not only dramatically improve lives but also educate others about mental illness and what help is available. We’re delighted that the Royal Family have taken such a keen interest in mental health and we really hope this visit will continue to raise awareness and reduce the stigma for those who are marginalized by society.”

Prince Edward was introduced to several Oakleaf clients who benefit from the services as well as a number of the charities volunteers and supporters. HRH took part in two of the courses on his visit, an IT training workshop and a hands-on upholstery master class.

The afternoon concluded in the sunshine with a warm thank you to HRH and all of the charity’s supporters and volunteers. Oakleaf looks forward to many more years of supporting those struggling with mental illness and continuing to challenge and reduce the stigma of mental illness in Surrey.