Mary Frances Trust

Mary Frances Trust We’re a mental health & emotional wellbeing charity for adults (16+) in Surrey. All services are free You can also ask a GP, CPN or social worker to refer you.

Mary Frances Trust (MFT) is a mental health and emotional wellbeing charity in Surrey established in 1994 to support adults (16+) who experience any kind of mental or emotional health issues. Mental health issues will affect one in four of us in any one year, yet it remains one of the last taboo subjects in our society. Society’s reaction to mental illness combines with the illness itself can crea

te difficulties in every aspect of life, in particular family and social relationships, money, independence, education, and employment. Our services have evolved over the past years in response to the changing needs and aspirations of people who use our services. However, we remain committed to our founding principles - working in partnership with people who we are supporting, maintaining respectful and equal relationships between them and staff, and fostering a sense of ownership and community. In 2013, we successfully won a bid to become the lead for Community Connections mental health services for Mole Valley, Banstead, Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell. The Community Connections service has been set up to help people with mental health issues to connect with their local community in a variety of ways to help to build up a sense of wellbeing and build confidence and self esteem. At MFT, we are committed to supporting people experiencing mental health issues to become fully active members of their communities and to have access to all the opportunities this offers. We offer a range of services and activities including:
One-to-one wellbeing support and goal setting
Wellbeing advice and information
Access to physical activities
Art and craft groups
Interest groups and activities which promote social inclusion
Peer support groups
Voluntary work in the community
Sign-posting to other organisations
Mental health crisis support

Volunteering
We have several opportunities for volunteers to help us provide our services. If you have any time to spare, please contact our Volunteers’ Co-ordinator Anna Silver on 01372 375400 for a chat or email [email protected]

If you would like to use our services, you can contact us for a registration form and complete this yourself. Once we have received your form, a member of our staff will contact you to arrange an informal initial appointment to discuss your needs and advise you on how we can help. Contact us at our registered office:
23 The Crescent
Leatherhead
Surrey
KT22 8DY

Tel: 01372 375 400
Fax: 01372 372 349
Text: 07929 024 722
Email: [email protected]
www.maryfrancestrust.org.uk

A HUGE thank you to the boys in North House & Monty House at St John's School, Leatherhead! 🎉 Throughout the last academ...
03/09/2026

A HUGE thank you to the boys in North House & Monty House at St John's School, Leatherhead! 🎉

Throughout the last academic year, these fantastic boys from both houses have been busy fundraising for Mary Frances Trust - from an evening fundraiser and bake sales to getting involved in their Christmas Fayre.

And together, they raised an amazing £1,587.49! 🎉👏

We are so grateful for all the time, energy and enthusiasm they put into supporting MFT. Their fundraising will help us continue supporting people across Surrey with their mental health and emotional wellbeing. 10/10 boys - you’ve absolutely smashed it!

Thank you for choosing to support Mary Frances Trust and for helping us make a difference in our community. We couldn’t be more grateful! 🙌



[Image description: Picture of St John’s Leatherhead School with the text above ‘Thank you to North House & Monty House, St John's Leatherhead’.]

01/09/2026

🎒 Going back to school can bring up lots of different emotions, one of those can be anxiety.

For some people, the return to strict routines, busy classrooms, academic pressures and social situations can feel overwhelming. Anxiety may show up as difficulty sleeping, irritability, headaches or stomach aches, tearfulness, or wanting to avoid school altogether.

In this video, our Community Connections Online Programme Coordinator Rachel shares 3 simple calming techniques that can be used whenever anxious feelings begin to build, helping to slow things down, reconnect with the body and feel more grounded.

If you or someone you know are struggling with the transition back to school, remember that you don’t have to manage it alone. Support is available across Surrey 💚

Save this video to return to when you need it, or share it with someone who may find it helpful.

Happy bank holiday! We may be closed but our Safe Haven remains open 6pm-11pm for anyone experiencing a mental health cr...
31/08/2026

Happy bank holiday!

We may be closed but our Safe Haven remains open 6pm-11pm for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.

💗 Safe Haven: 6pm-11pm at the Brickfield Centre, Epsom

Find out more about our Safe Haven here: https://www.maryfrancestrust.org.uk/safe-haven/



[Image description: Illustration of hands holding a heart with the title above – Happy Bank Holiday.]

Move, play and support your wellbeing with Qigong! 🐻🦌 Join us online for our 4-week Animal Frolics Qigong Course, where ...
28/08/2026

Move, play and support your wellbeing with Qigong! 🐻🦌

Join us online for our 4-week Animal Frolics Qigong Course, where gentle movement, meditation and a little bit of playfulness come together to support both mind and body.

Throughout the course, we’ll take inspiration from five animals… exploring the calm lightness of the Crane, grounded strength of the Bear, playful agility of the Monkey, relaxed alertness of the Deer and protective strength of the Tiger.

Qigong can be a fun and enjoyable way to move your body while supporting your overall health and wellbeing, and the practice is suitable for all levels of ability.

📅 Starts Thursday 3 September – 4 weeks
⏰ 9.30–10.30am
💻 Online via Zoom

To attend, you’ll need to register with Mary Frances Trust first on our website: www.maryfrancestrust.org.uk. Then you will need to get in touch to reserve your space by calling 01372 375400, texting 07929 024722 or emailing [email protected].

Come along, have some fun and discover a new way to support your mind and body 💚



[Image description: Person stretching with the title - Online Qigong
ANIMAL FROLICS COURSE. Following slide with illustrations of origami animals and text explaining the movements you will learn.]

The way we speak to ourselves matters more than we think 💭Small shifts in the language we use with ourselves can change ...
27/08/2026

The way we speak to ourselves matters more than we think 💭

Small shifts in the language we use with ourselves can change how we feel, how we cope and how we see the world around us.

It’s not about forcing positivity at all costs or pretending everything is okay. It’s about giving ourselves a little more compassion, understanding and choice. 💚

Sometimes, changing the way we speak to ourselves is a small step towards feeling differently.



[Image description: Illustration of a head and brain with the title - Change your words, Change your world, followed by things we sometimes say to ourselves and what we should say instead.]

25/08/2026

A reminder that our Safe Haven in Epsom is here when you need it 🫶

Your local support space for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.

Open 365 days a year, our Safe Haven provides a safe, non-judgemental environment for adults who need immediate emotional support when they’re struggling.

It’s a calm alternative to A&E, designed to help you feel heard, supported, and connected to the right help.

We’re here for our community — for anyone (18+) who needs a safe place to turn when things feel too much.

This service is delivered in partnership with clinicians from Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust 💙

No appointment needed – this is a drop-in service!

📍 Brickfield Centre, Portland Place, Epsom, KT17 1DL
⏰ Opening times: 6pm-11pm
💻 Access virtually/ find out more on our website - Link in bio (go to Crisis Support heading)

Please share this post to help spread the word to more people who might need support.

New: Eating Disorders Support Group 💙Recovery can look different for everyone, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.O...
24/08/2026

New: Eating Disorders Support Group 💙

Recovery can look different for everyone, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Our new 8-week Eating Disorders Support Group delivered with Waythrough offers a supportive, compassionate and non-clinical space to explore eating difficulties, better understand your own experiences and take realistic steps towards recovery.

Across the eight weeks, we’ll explore topics including:

~ Understanding eating difficulties and the role they can play
~ Self-compassion, body neutrality and respect
~ Preparing for recovery and navigating challenges
~ Recognising and celebrating small wins
~ Reconnecting with your personal values
~ Building a positive sense of self, freedom and hope
~ Creating a practical recovery plan for moving forward

The group is open to everyone, whether you have a diagnosis or not, and you’re also welcome to join if you’re already receiving clinical support.

📅 Saturdays, 12 September–21 November
⏰ 10am–12pm
📍 Leatherhead

If you’re experiencing difficulties around eating and feel you could benefit from a supportive space to explore recovery at your own pace, we’d love to welcome you.

To book your place, you need to register with MFT first on our website and then contact us to reserve your space on: call 01372 375400, text 07929 024722 (SMS service only), email [email protected] or visit www.maryfrancestrust.org.uk.



Beat Leatherhead Living Leatherhead Community Association What's On In Leatherhead Leatherhead Leisure Centre The Leatherhead Theatre Mole Valley Employment & Skills Hub YMCA Mole Valley Family Centre Citizens Advice Mole Valley Mole Valley Life More to Mole Valley Connect to Support Surrey Leatherhead Community Hub

[Image description: Poster with details for our Eating Disorders Support Group.]

We’re excited to announce some new courses and activities starting this September! From gentle movement and creativity t...
21/08/2026

We’re excited to announce some new courses and activities starting this September!

From gentle movement and creativity to practical wellbeing support, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with others and try something new.

🍃 NEW: Eating Disorders Support Group
📍 Leatherhead | Saturdays, 12 September–21 November, 10am–12pm
An eight-week, supportive and non-clinical group exploring eating difficulties, self-compassion, body neutrality and practical steps towards recovery.

🌿 NEW: Five Ways to Wellbeing Course
📍 Online via Zoom | Saturdays from 19 September, 9.30–10.30am
A five-week course exploring practical ways to support your mental health, including how rest and relationships can improve emotional wellbeing.

🐯 NEW: Qigong ‘Animal Frolics’
📍 Online via Zoom | Thursdays from 3 September, 9.30–10.30am
A four-week course combining gentle movement and meditation inspired by the Crane, Bear, Monkey, Deer and Tiger. Suitable for all abilities.

🎨 Art
📍 Esher | Mondays, 12.30–2.30pm
An eight-week course offering drawing, painting, printing, clay modelling, collage and more. No previous experience is needed.

🧘 Yoga for Wellbeing – Banstead
📍 Banstead | Mondays, 4–5pm
An ongoing wellbeing group supporting confidence, emotional health, resilience and a more balanced life.

🧘‍♀️ Yoga for Wellbeing – Dorking
📍 Dorking | Tuesdays, 1.30–2.30pm
A welcoming yoga class supporting flexibility, strength and relaxation, helping you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

For our full list of activities, courses and groups, visit: https://www.maryfrancestrust.org.uk/community-connections/



[Image description: Title graphic with the text: New Groups
Starting in September.]

Mental health myths can stop people from getting the support they need.The truth? You’re not alone and help is always av...
20/08/2026

Mental health myths can stop people from getting the support they need.

The truth? You’re not alone and help is always available 💙

Let’s challenge these misconceptions together and create a more understanding community.

👉 Visit our website to find out more about the support we offer in Surrey: https://www.maryfrancestrust.org.uk

👉 Help spread the message by sharing with someone who might need it



[Image description: Title slide with the text - 5 Common Mental Health Myths, followed by slides naming the Myth followed by the Fact.]

Did you know we offer a free Wellbeing Advice & Information Service? 💙If practical or financial issues are affecting you...
17/08/2026

Did you know we offer a free Wellbeing Advice & Information Service? 💙

If practical or financial issues are affecting your mental health or wellbeing, you don't have to navigate them alone. Our dedicated Wellbeing Advice & Information Service is here to provide personalised support and guidance.

Here's what you can expect:

✨ Free telephone or video appointments (Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm)
✨ Individual advice tailored to your situation
✨ No waiting list
✨ Support from Lenny, our Advice & Information expert with over 20 years' experience
✨ Help to resolve issues, build confidence and connect you with other services where needed

Whether you're worried about finances, housing, benefits, employment or other practical challenges, we're here to listen and help you explore your options.

To access the service, get in touch:

📧 [email protected]
📞 01372 375400
💬 SMS: 07929 024722

Everyone deserves support, and sometimes the first step is simply knowing where to turn.



[Image description: Image of Lenny, our Wellbeing Advice and Information Officer, offering support through a video call with the title ‘7 topics our Wellbeing Advice and Information Support Service can help you with’. Followed by additional slides listing key topics we can help with.]

Address

23 The Crescent
Leatherhead
KT228DY

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+441372375400

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