Annual Review 2013-14

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Report of the Board of Trustees and Directors for the year ended 31 March 2014

Mission Statement:

Our aim is to improve the lives of our clients helping them fulfi l their aspirations. This is achieved by recognising an individuals value, empowering them to make choices and providing a safe place to grow in confi dence and skills.

Vision:

To be widely recognised as the leading provider of training, support and employment for disadvantaged people in Surrey.

SUMMARY

This report covers the following areas:

A Message from our Chair

A Message from our Chief Executive

About Oakleaf Enterprise

Mental Health Stats

Case Study

Outcomes

Fundraising

Highlights of the year

The Future

Dame Penelope Keith, Patron has supported Oakleaf for the past 15 years.

A Message from our Chair

Oakleaf Enterprise employs a staff team currently comprising 15 individuals. These

are led by the Chief Executive, Clive Stone, who reports to the Board and whose

role encompasses securing the charity’s long-term viability and the day to day

management of the staff team who have responsibility for co-ordinating each

training department. We are fortunate in having an extremely dedicated staff team

who are supported by both short and long term volunteers.

The past 12 months have been positive for the charity with an improved fi nancial

position and a good increase in client visits. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank

the Staff, Trustees and Volunteers for their focus and hard work in making the last

fi nancial year a success.

The Board of Directors comprises of eight Trustees who have all been in post for at

least 12 months. This provides Oakleaf with continuity and a stable foundation from

which we can build upon. The focus for the fi rst part of 2014 is on forming a fi ve

year strategic plan for the charity, which will help inform us on our future property

requirements as well as the recruitment of additional Directors to fi ll specifi c skills

gaps.

Whilst Oakleaf made a surplus in 2013/14, it’s important to recognise that like many

other charities, it has been required to draw on its reserves in previous years. As a

policy, the Board of Directors want to ensure that we have at least three months

operating costs in reserve and this surplus puts the charity on track to achieve this

before the end of the 2015/16 fi nancial year.

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Nick Powell,Chair

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Yet another year has flown by with alarming speed and has seen the beginnings

of more stability across the sector as a whole and certainly more at a local level,

with the introduction of new partnerships to enhance delivery and provide greater

access for more people.

We embarked upon a new Community Connections project commissioned by

Surrey County Council which has entailed us working closely with SADAS and

Guildford Action. Whilst this comes with its challenges it is an excellent opportunity

for three of Guildford’s main charities to work together for the benefit of those most

in need. We have taken the lead in coordinating all of the Recovery Star (personal

progression and monitoring tool) training and collating the data collected for

presentation in quarterly monitoring. This makes for some interesting reading to

see demand on services grow but perhaps more importantly the quality being

accurately assessed and then further enhanced, to which our Client Services

department have provided some outstanding work in managing.

One of our main areas of growth over the past 12 months has been on ongoing

increase in demand for our enormous range of social inclusion activities, with

an engagement up by over 60%. This is very gratifying for all, as a great deal of

work has been committed to growing the volume and diversity of these activities.

This year has also seen the growth of our counselling service, with five students

undertaking their Doctorate of Psychology, providing over 450 hours of one-to-

one work to an ever expanding client base.

Our training departments have continued to train an average of over 120 clients

per week, whilst at the same time providing a commissioned service to the

general public. This has been enhanced further through the employment of a new

Master Upholsterer, who has brought to the organisation valuable new methods

of working which are being taught to clients and providing a faster turnaround of

customer work.

Alongside our normal range of activities we have continued to deliver a Brokerage

service to individuals who have received a Personal Budget from Social Care. This

has entailed us working with a small number of individuals who have a broader

range of disabilities and need. I am particularly pleased about this project as

our Care Plans have been used as examples of good practice by many other

providers.

We were for the second time in 13 years flooded over the Christmas period, with

approximately 3ft of water throughout our ground floor causing in excess of

£50,000 worth of damage and loss. Thankfully the majority of this was insured,

although a considerable premium increase at renewal was inevitable. Despite

the immense upheaval we only had to remain closed for two days when clients

were unable to attend and this was only possible through the fantastic efforts of

all the staff team, Trustees and supported by volunteers and clients alike. I would

like to say a big thank you to everyone who made the impossible, possible.

A Message from our Chief Executive

Clive Stone, Chief Executive

About Oakleaf Enterprise

Social Inclusion ActivitiesOne of the important factors of maintaining a social life is that it prevents people with a mental illness becoming

isolated and lonely. As well as our main training schemes, Oakleaf also offers additional activities and events

which aim to help clients learn new skills, meet new people, have fun, feel more confi dent and ultimately,

break the isolation that so many will feel due to their mental ill-health. The activities offered are tailored to be

therapeutic, offer relaxation, reduce stress and promote wellbeing, each aiming to help each individual in

their personal journey whilst at Oakleaf.

At Oakleaf, we understand how diffi cult the road to recovery can be. Since

1997, we have supported people with a wide range of illnesses through their

recovery. Our programme offers a great variety of support methods to build

confi dence and self-esteem. We develop individuals’ skills to become active

members of the community and, where appropriate, of the workplace.

Ultimately, for our clients, tasks and situations that had become stressful and

seemed impossible become manageable again. The lethargy that has

descended starts to disappear and a life that seemed without purpose or

reason begins to be worth living again.

Oakleaf is the only mental health charity in Surrey working as a social

enterprise providing vocational training and on-the-job training in horticulture,

upholstery, IT and print fi nishing for direct mail. We provide a relaxed but

purposeful atmosphere where clients can learn at their own pace. Our staff

are understanding and caring, offering encouragement, instruction and

guidance where necessary.

An absolutely central part of what we do for people with mental illnesses, is

the provision of vocational training, and therapeutic activities. To make these

as realistic and fulfi lling as possible, each area has also developed to provide

services to the public and organisations. The services provided for Oakleaf’s

customers include upholstery and furniture repairs; garden maintenance;

printing; packing and fulfi lment. These services form a critical part of the

support and training that Oakleaf provides for its clients.

Some activities at Oakleaf:5 Yoga, Tai Chi, Dance & Fitness 5 Guitar Lessons 5 Greenhouse & Allotment Group 5 Language Classes

5 Confi dence Course 5 Mindfulness Sessions 5 Numeracy & Literacy Lessons5 Restaurant & Film Night

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The facts and fi gures around Mental Health in the UK are alarming. 1 in 4 people will experience some kind of

mental health problem in the course of a year, so it is likely you know someone who suffers.

Whatever the illness, it can create multiple diffi culties medically, psychologically, socially, and fi nancially.

Every aspect of life is impacted. The reality is that it can devastate not only the lives of sufferers, but also their

family, friends and colleagues.

At Oakleaf Enterprise our aim is to improve the lives of our clients helping them fulfi l their aspirations. This is

achieved by recognising an individual’s value, empowering them to make choices and providing a safe

place to grow in confi dence and skills.

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Mental Health Matters The Statistics

1 in 4 in the UKwill experience a mental health problem in any one year

The estimated cost of mental health per annum in the UK is £105.2 billion

Source: Mental Health Foundation

Suicide Rate (per 100,000) nationally is 11.6 and 8.28 in Surrey

Depression & Anxiety are the most widespread conditionsDepression & Anxiety are the most widespread conditions 11.6

8.28

in the UK is £105.2 billion

Nationally, people with mental health needs have the lowest employment rate

of any disabled group, with only 24% securing long-term work.

Fewer than 4 in 10 employers will consider recruiting

someone with a history of mental health problems, compared to more than

6 in 10 for someone with a physical disability

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From Seed to TableRupert’s Story

Rupert Kemp has been a client at Oakleaf for a few years, originally training

with the Packing and Fulfi lment and Horticulture teams. He has grown to

love attending the weekly allotment group, perfecting his green fi ngers, but

it doesn’t stop there. Back at Oakleaf, he is known as ‘kitchen-extraordinar’

as he volunteers to manage and run the on-site canteen, preparing lunch,

baking and serving teas and coffees three days a week. Rupert not only

plants, grows and tends to a variety of fruits and vegetables at the Oakleaf

allotment, but also works to incorporate the fi nished products into his lunch

recipes. Living with Asperger’s, Rupert’s involvement with these activities has

helped to create structure in his daily life, build confi dence and feel involved.

He has greatly developed his cooking skills and has learnt how to plan healthy

meals whilst budgeting weekly shopping lists of groceries. Rupert has found

he is able to apply these skills at home, and feels happier with having this

responsibility.

“I’ve been inspired and have started volunteering at a church cafe every Friday as well, I really

enjoy this work!”

Types of Mental Illnesses

Anxiety 5

Bipolar Disorder 5

Body Dysmorphic 5Disorder

Hypomania 5

Depression 5

Dissociative Disorders 5

Eating Disorders 5

Obsessive-compulsive 5Disorder

Panic Attacks 5

Paranoia 5

Personality Disorders 5

Phobias 5

Postnatal Depression 5

Psychosis 5

Post-Traumatic Stress 5

Schizophrenia 5

Seasonal Affective 5Disorder

Disorder

Deliberate Self-harm 5

Clients taking part in a Happy Healthy Cooking Group.

Clients taking part in Guitar Lessons.

In the current economic climate it is difficult for anyone to find fulfilling and sustainable employment. Clients

at Oakleaf also face the added pressure of their mental health illness(es) alongside the already competitive

job market.

The Client Services department is an integral part to Oakleaf and delivers our social inclusion activities. It

also covers support in: benefit advice, additional vocational training, self-confidence issues, job searches,

application forms, compiling CVs, writing covering letters, career prospects, interview skills, personal

presentation and signposting to other organisations. Our clients also benefit from Recovery Star reviews

to measure progression in different areas and plot individual improvement in their own mental health and

wellbeing.

We pride ourselves on how hard our clients work challenging their illness’s. Our biggest achievements are lived through their successes - here’s what Oakleaf and our clients achieved this year.

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Services and Support The Outcomes

One of our key aims is to increase transferable work skills, renewed self-esteem, and self-confidence felt by our clients, thereby increasing employability...

In this financial year we have helped 37 clients into a range of

employment options

We have awarded:76 individual IT certificates

Have had: 29 clients completing a 10-week

confidence course

And delivered: 290 social inclusion activities

Our Client Satisfaction Survey states:

100% feel less isolated 74% feel more empowered to participate with in-house and community events

60% feel more capable to cope with their living skills85% feel Oakleaf has helped improve their psychological wellbeing

53% have seen an improvement in their physical health

Many do not appreciate the challenges our clients face in dealing with every day tasks most people would take in their stride. For many, the road to recovery is a long journey through despair and helplessness.

Mental illness is not typically a ‘popular’ cause, and is challenging to fund, and yet Oakleaf is hugely important

to the people it serves.

Currently, it costs £500K each year to provide all of our services, of which, less than 6% will come from regular

income. Our social enterprise activities i.e. Horticulture and Upholstery, not only provide valuable training but

also generate an income which currently represents 20%. We recognise the need to continually develop this

element of our provision to enable us to have more control over our income. The rest will result from fundraising

activities such as applications to the Big Lottery, trusts, community groups, individuals, and local companies. For

a small charity, raising these funds is a huge task, but a challenge we embrace. We are greatly appreciative for

the support we receive and work hard to ensure we are innovative in our fundraising approaches and that our

communications with donors demonstrate the positive impact of their support.

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FundraisingThe Challenge

19%

24%

21%

5%

5%

20%

6%

Our supporters are great ambassadors and go out of their way to help in any way they can. Whether they are a corporate or community partner, monthly donor, take part in

our events, or use our services, every little bit makes a difference.

Every pound raised is reinvested back into the organisation and allows us to continue offering our services and support to those less advantaged.

Our Income Breakdown

Our Horticulture team with their new equipment from The Wisley Foundation.

Happy customers sharing the work of our dedicated Upholstery team!

Corporate support from Stevens & Bolton LLP at their Christmas Carols.

Charitable Trusts

Statutory Bodies

Big Lottery Fund

Donations

Events

Social Enterprise

Other

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The Year in Highlights

For the fourth year

running, Oakleaf

supporters took part

in the Guildford Rotary

Sponsored charity

walk.

Oakleaf had a team

of runners take part

in the BUPA Great

South Run 2014 for the

fi rst time, raising over

£5000!

Our brokerage service

in partnership with

Surrey County Council

went into full swing,

working in Surrey

Heath, Waverley and

Guildford.

We were unfortunately

fl ooded on Christmas

Eve, but managed a

quick recovery, only

being closed to clients

for two days.

Oakleaf has received

phenomenal support

as Charity of the Year

with local solicitors,

Stevens & Bolton LLP

for two fi nancial years!

Staff, volunteers and

clients took part in

Time to Talk Day 2014

and pledged to ‘Join

the big conversation’

to end stigma of

mental health.

We became a

major partner of The

Welcome Project, to

provide activities and

support for people

suffering isolation and

anxiety.

Oakleaf was a Finalist

for the Mental Health

and Wellbeing

category at the Toast

of Surrey Business

Awards 2014!

We held two amazing

BBQ and cake sales

for our clients and

supporters.

One of the biggest

events was our annual

Quiz Night, with over

90 people taking part,

raising over £1000 for

Oakleaf!

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Collaboration will continue to be an important part of our plan rolling forward and to this end we have been

undertaking many months of discussion with Surrey Life Long Learning, The YMCA and Guildford Borough

Council to develop a new Social Enterprise. The aim of this initiative is to deliver some of the Borough’s

horticultural work and street cleansing service. This is fantastic opportunity for all parties and a very forward

thinking initiative pursued by the Council.

We also need to start looking to the long term, when we may have to relocate due to our lease drawing to

a close. This will provide us with an exciting opportunity to either pursue negotiations with our landlord with a

view to redeveloping our existing premises, or for us or to identify another site. Either way we aim to widen the

activities we offer, with more scope to deliver in a larger premises with an improved layout.

Moving ForwardsThe Future

Testimonials

“ Oakleaf Enterprise...I owe you so much and you will always be a very

special place to me. I know from personal experience how important

and valuable you are in a lot of people’s lives. Thank you!”

“Excellent service and a very high quality of work. We are so pleased to be able to support such a great enterprise and are delighted with the workmanship and the friendly,

attentive service - absolutely brilliant!”

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the support and care you have given my son. What a wonderful

chance he has now. I never would believe such a wonderful place

existed! We feel so very blessed at having found you.”

“Oakleaf provided an excellent service all-round, at a good price. I was very well-advised and the work was beautifully executed, making a very signifi cant difference to the

way my garden looks!”

The Glade initiative team.

101 Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4UQTel: 01483 303649 | Fax: 01483 537069info@oakleaf-enterprise.orgwww.oakleaf-enterprise.org

Registered Charity Number: 1064524Company Limited by Guarantee Number: 3388671

Oakleaf @_Oakleaf Oakleaf Oakleaf_Enterprise