8th July 2024 | Lieutenancy News
Path to Success: Oakleaf receives National Lottery funding to empower individuals facing multiple challenges
Guildford-based mental health charity, Oakleaf Enterprise, is proud to announce it has been awarded a generous grant of £626,828 by The National Lottery Community Fund. This funding will facilitate the implementation of a new ‘Path to Success’ employment project over the next five years.
The ground-breaking initiative aims to support hundreds of individuals who are managing their mental health in Surrey as well as those navigating multiple and complex challenges. Through a holistic approach, the project will identify and harness the strengths and skills of its participants, empowering them to re-enter or enter the workplace with confidence and resilience.
‘Path to Success’ launched on 1st June 2024 and is being delivered in collaboration with Guildford Action, a respected local charity committed to assisting individuals facing homelessness, substance abuse, a history of offending, and other complex life challenges. With over 40 years of dedicated service, Guildford Action employs a trauma informed approach, ensuring thorough and lasting support for its beneficiaries.
Joanne Tester, Chief Executive at Guildford Action 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.”
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.
Through a range of activities designed to boost confidence and alleviate apprehension associated with seeking sustained employment, the project will provide participants with the time and space to progress at their own pace within a supportive and familiar environment.
By combining Oakleaf’s expertise in providing employment support for mental health challenges with Guildford Action’s specialised knowledge, the project will offer comprehensive and tailored assistance to individuals with diverse and complex needs. This collaborative effort ensures a wider reach within the community and maximises the impact of the initiative.
“We are very happy to have gained funding for this new partnership project and the opportunity to support greater numbers of clients into employment,” said Clive Stone, Chief Executive at Oakleaf. “Leading this project and combining our extensive knowledge and experience with Guildford Action will undoubtedly be of great benefit to the communities we serve. I am very excited about the prospect of helping our joint clients improve their wellbeing and employment opportunities.”
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