Big Leaf Foundation

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Big Leaf Foundation

Big Leaf Foundation is a charity working with displaced young people aged 15-25 living in Surrey🧡

18/08/2026

Two weeks of outdoor adventures 🌿

Young people from Redhill and Guildford took part in our Off Grid Adventure project with Surrey Outdoor Learning & Development as part of our Summer Programme.

Across two groups and different locations, the programme brought young people together through outdoor and nature-based activities, cooking and physical challenges. The sessions were designed to support wellbeing and connection with nature, while developing teamwork, communication, trust, leadership and confidence.

Alongside the activities, young people could work towards optional AQA accreditations and develop practical skills.

The two groups came together on the final day for a celebration, and the young people received certificates recognising their participation and achievements.

A huge thank you to Jack Smith, who runs the Green Health & Wellbeing programme at Surrey County Council, which funded this project, and to SOLD for their partnership and for delivering such a great programme🧡

13/08/2026

Last week, our Unity XI team played our friendly cricket match against Surrey Police, generously hosted by Guildford Cricket Club.

The project brings together cricket, storytelling and food to celebrate connection, understanding and friendship across our community.

Thank you to Surrey Police for joining us, Guildford CC for hosting us, and Wisley Foundation for funding the project.

11/08/2026

We took eight young people to LUSH UK Guildford for an evening pamper session with Jamie and Jo.

We explored different Lush products and scents before making our own facial scrubs, taking turns to mix the ingredients and learning about the role of each one. Everyone got to take their scrub home with them.

The session also gave us a chance to talk about girls-only spaces and experiences. The young people shared that they would like more activities specifically designed around the interests and needs of girls and young women we support, so we discussed some ideas together.

We also talked about employment, including the work experience and paid roles available at Lush for those with the right to work. With employment often presenting barriers for the young people we support, it was great to learn more about Lush’s approach and the opportunities they can offer.

Thank you to Jamie and Jo for welcoming us🧡

07/08/2026

Our Unity XI team was invited to watch MI London practice at The Oval, creating an unforgettable experience for our players. For our mostly Afghan team, Rashid Khan is a national hero and a symbol of what’s possible.

Although Rashid wasn’t able to join us on the day, the warm welcome from everyone involved made the experience truly special.

A huge thank you to the MI London team and Surrey Cricket for hosting us. We’re especially grateful to Theresa Peters for being such an amazing host and to the brilliant Sam Curran for taking the time to meet the team, share his experience, and make the day one to remember🧡

06/08/2026

Why does Big Leaf exist?

Our social media volunteer, Reem, has created a carousel exploring why Big Leaf was founded, the challenges young people seeking safety can face, and why community matters.

Swipe through to learn more about why our work matters🧡

05/08/2026

Last week we took 12 young people to Jamie's Farm for our annual summer residential🧡

Big Leaf began as a summer camp, and we've seen first-hand what it does for the young people we work with, so it's stayed at the heart of our work. It's a chance to press pause. To be outdoors, rest, make new friends and try new things. For us, it's invaluable time to build trust and really get to know each young person, so we can support them better in the months and years to come.

Thank you to Jamie's Farm for having us back, and to Surrey Virtual School for funding the residential.

Swipe through to see a bit of what the week looked like.

28/07/2026

Our Social Media Volunteer, Reem, has created a new 'What I Wish People Knew About Asylum Seekers and Refugees' carousel, reflecting on more common assumptions and the realities that are often overlooked.

Have a read, then tell us: What is something you wish more people understood about refugees and asylum seekers?

24/07/2026

Last week, as part of our Summer Programme, we organised a day trip to Windsor Castle.

The visit gave our young people the opportunity to explore one of the UK's most significant historic sites, learn about its history, and reflect on the people and events that have shaped it.

Experiences like these help bring learning to life, encouraging curiosity, discussion and a deeper understanding of the country's history and heritage.

Thank you to The High Sheriff Youth Awards and the Royal Collection Trust for making this trip possible.

21/07/2026

Last week, we spent three days at St George's Weybridge Always Georgian as part of our annual summer programme.

Planned collaboratively by young ambassadors from St George's and Big Leaf, the project gave everyone the chance to get to know one another through fun activities, conversations and teamwork.

🔸Swipe through to see some of the highlights.

A huge thank you to St George's College for such a warm welcome. We really value our partnership and are grateful for your support in making this project possible🧡

16/07/2026

Our friend Ahmed Hussein from Guildford Cricket Club recently took five of our young people to a T20 cricket match in Hampshire.

It was a thoughtful gesture and a brilliant opportunity for our young people to experience the excitement of live cricket.

A huge thank you to Guildford Cricket Club and Hampshire Cricket for making it possible🧡

🔸Read one of the young people's reflections in the quote card.

Address

Woking

Website

https://www.bigleaffoundation.org.uk/

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