Relief for charity as funds are safe

A Hailsham-based charity facing cuts to its funding is celebrating after a campaign to stop the slash in money proved to be successful.
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Sussex Oakleaf is a charitable organisation that supports individuals with mental health needs. Its South Wealden Community Wellbeing Service, based at The Old Chapel in Hailsham, has worked for many years providing an invaluable service to vulnerable individuals in the area.

September 2015 saw a significant drop in funding given to adult social care within East Sussex, which put all of Sussex Oakleaf’s East Sussex-based services at risk. Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden, campaigned against cuts to services and visited The Old Chapel to speak with clients and staff.

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They told her how much Sussex Oakleaf had helped them and how essential their services are for the local community. Sussex Oakleaf is now delighted to announce it is no longer facing any cuts to and that current funding levels have been confirmed for the whole of 2016/17.

Ms Ghani said: “Sussex Oakleaf’s Commissioner has stated its funding was only secured due to the very high esteem its services are held in, and the demonstrable benefits they provide.

“This is real testament to the clients, staff and volunteers who provide and contribute to such valued services on a daily basis and whom I congratulate and thank wholeheartedly for their work and commitment.

“I am pleased to have been able to bat on Sussex Oakleaf’s behalf, following the very real impact it made on me when I visited last year. Staff, clients and volunteers were all inspiring, and had a sense of pride in their affiliation to the charity that you rarely come across to such an extent.”

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The support Sussex Oakleaf offers takes a holistic approach with key areas including education, employment, financial independence and physical wellbeing. As well as the one-to-one support offered by staff, Sussex Oakleaf also provides a range of groups and courses which help clients to build confidence and self-esteem.

A spokesperson for Sussex Oakleaf said: “We would like to extend a huge thank you to all those who contributed to the consultation process – this first hand evidence was massively important in supporting our claims.”

Visit www.sussexoakleaf.org.uk for more information.

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