retreat and mentoring programme
A support network for young adults who are facing significant challenges
All places fully funded
Men’s programme start: Oct/Feb/May Enquire re. Women’s pilot programme
Our programme is small and participant centred, providing the means to inspire positive decision-making and hope-filled futures
“Oak London is the real deal and the full package. The residential taught me how to open up, handle my emotions, resolve conflict and build new bonds. Oak London also gave me the opportunities to participate in valuable bonding and activities I haven’t been able to do in years. Words won’t express how much I value what Oak London are doing.”
— Jai, age 23, participant in 2024
interested?
What it looks like for you
The FIVE Stages
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We will come to meet you for a McDonalds or a coffee near to where you are. We’ll discuss if it’s the right programme for you at the right time. If you’re keen to opt-in we’ll invite you to a pre-residential social with the other participants. This process allows us to assess and review any potential safeguarding concerns.
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Duration:
4-5 daysWho:
Small intake of maximum 8 young men.Where:
Hosted outside London at Trinity College Bristol, providing an opportunity for you to escape your everyday surroundings to promote deeper reflection. There’s a routine to each day which includes eating lots of food and doing a mixture of activities, workshops and sport.Aim:
For you to develop your relationship with yourself, others and the world.How:
The days include a balance of deep reflective exercises (e.g. workshops focused on themes such as masculinity, forgiveness and reconciliation, and hopes and dreams) as well as community-building activities (e.g. playing sports, trips out, and cooking and eating together).Food and travel provided for all participants
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There are 6 initial weekly workshops at Bethnal Green Mission Church, London, which underpin the routines and learning from the residential course, helping you transfer your learning to your everyday life. We cover loads of themes including ‘mental health’, ‘drugs and alcohol’ and ‘setting goals’.
During this time we also provide assistance in guiding and signposting your next steps.
It doesn't end after the 6 workshops as you're always welcome to keep coming!
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Planned, organised and executed by YOU, re-engaging with communities in a positive capacity.
Previous examples have included: making care packs for people sleeping rough, bbq and sports afternoon for refugees, and volunteering at a homeless shelter.
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You are offered a mentor from the local community as you move onto your next steps.
This is someone to check in, and meet up with you from time to time.
support: donate
Oak London is a charity and relies on the generosity of individuals and funders. If you are in a position to support us financially we would be hugely grateful.
If you are part of an organisation who could support our work though their Corporate Social Responsibility or through matched funding please get in touch.
support: mentoring
We give each participant the opportunity to have mentor from their local area. If you would like to volunteer as a mentor we would love to hear from you - click on the link below to express your interest.
If you a London based church and have people who would be able to mentor participants from your local community, please get in touch.
Mentoring training provided.
Referrals
Want to sign up or make a referral for a young man who could benefit from the programme?
Click below to be taken to our referral form
“Oak London provides a safe space and a community for individuals desperately in need of it. The space acts as a solace away from the challenges that come with their reality. The Oak London community provides guidance, insight and shared lived experiences. A perspective that many of the young people might not have access to. The residential aspect also allows them to come away from their natural habitat and function without the restraints and pressures that so many of them have become accustomed to.”
— Probation worker
Oak London is a project of Bethnal Green Mission Church and exists to promote reconciliation and reconnection within communities. We are faith-based, not faith-biased. We want to see young men develop strong support networks allowing them to build positive futures.
