Oakleaf Receives National Lottery Funding to Empower People Facing Multiple Challenges

Published on: 9 Jul, 2024
Updated on: 11 Jul, 2024

Guildford-based mental health charity Oakleaf Enterprise has been awarded a grant of £626,828 by the National Lottery Community Fund to support, with a focus on employment, hundreds of people in Surrey who are managing their mental health as well as those navigating multiple and complex challenges.

Oakleaf says the project, titled Path to Success, will identify and harness the strengths and skills of its participants, empowering them to re-enter or enter the workplace with confidence and resilience, through a holistic approach.

The Path to Success project will empower people to re-enter or enter the workplace with confidence and resilience through a holistic approach.

The project was launched on June 1 and is being delivered in collaboration with Guildford Action, which helps people facing homelessness, substance abuse, a history of offending and other complex life challenges.

The chief executive of Guildford Action, Joanne Tester, said: “From meeting basic needs, to supporting people to build a future in which they have control over, Guildford Action believes that everyone has a right to a life which is safe and fulfilling, whatever that may look like for them. We are thrilled to be partnering with our friends from Oakleaf on this project which will give hope and opportunities to a diverse group of people.”

Oakleaf stresses that the employment project, rooted in principles of accessibility and inclusivity, seeks to dismantle barriers and fill critical gaps in existing support services. By offering tailored and user-friendly assistance, it aims to pave a path to success for all participants, regardless of their circumstances.

This will be through a range of activities designed to boost confidence and alleviate apprehension associated with seeking sustained employment.

It will provide participants with the time and space to progress at their own pace within a supportive and familiar environment.

The chief executive of Oakleaf Enterprises, Clive Stone, said: “We are very happy to have gained funding for this new partnership project and the opportunity to support greater numbers of clients into employment.

“Leading this project and combining our extensive knowledge and experience with Guildford Action will undoubtedly be of great benefit to the communities we serve.”