We are Work Stress Solutions (WSS), a local charity deeply committed to transforming lives in Surrey. Our official registration number is 1135144, and our mission is guided by our constitution and steered by a devoted board of 5 Trustees.

WSS is a small but determined charity that relies on grants and donations to provide crucial support to individuals in Surrey, aged 16 and older, regardless of their background or vulnerability. Our work extends to young people, unpaid carers, the elderly, individuals with learning disabilities, autistic adults, and both employed and unemployed individuals. We are proud to be based in Epsom, yet our reach spans across Surrey to offer our services to those who can come to us.

Our annual income is low underscoring the significant challenges we face as a small charity striving to make a meaningful impact. Currently, we have 1 part-time staff members and 10 volunteers working tirelessly to provide emotional and practical support to those who self-refer or are referred to us by other services. Our ultimate mission is to assist individuals in reaching their maximum potential, thereby gaining, retaining employment, accessing education, or engaging in voluntary work.

Our services predominantly benefit the local Epsom community and its surroundings, including areas like Banstead, Mole Valley, and Elmbridge. We adopt a holistic approach, offering a range of services starting with talk therapy, skills development, confidence, and self-esteem building through various groups, educational sessions, numeracy support, employability programs, and voluntary experience opportunities. In addition, we provide a professional buddy service and nutritional courses for those in need of extra support. Most of our activities are group-oriented but incorporate one-on-one support delivered by our dedicated staff and volunteers, all located in a single venue to minimize travel barriers for our beneficiaries.

The need for our services is evident. The Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2019-2023 by Epsom and Ewell Borough Council underscores the significant influence of socioeconomic factors on health and wellbeing, particularly in areas such as education, employment, income, and family/social support. WSS is uniquely positioned to address these factors through our holistic and therapeutic services, assisting vulnerable individuals with mental or physical health problems and those facing social exclusion. By enhancing confidence and coping skills, we empower individuals to gain, retain employment, engage in education, and participate in voluntary work.

We are seeking your support to ensure the continuity of our vital work. The funding we request is essential to cover the running costs of our charity and deliver services that support disadvantaged individuals in gaining crucial life skills, including effective communication, preparing for work, and becoming job ready.

The impact of our services extends to the heart of the community. By improving access to vital psychological therapies and addressing the lack of digital, literacy, and numeracy skills, as well as bolstering confidence and self-esteem, we contribute to enhanced mental health, employability prospects, and social inclusion. We relieve some of the pressures on mainstream services, such as the NHS and JobCentre Plus, by providing timely and valuable support.

The statistics speak volumes:

1 in 4 people are affected by mental health issues that impact both their personal and professional lives.

Improving Access to Psychological Therapies provided by the NHS is overstretched, resulting in longer waiting times and deteriorating emotional health for many.