A MENTAL health charity supporting masses across the county has announced its new bosses.

East Oxford-based Restore has revealed Lesley Dewhurst and Mark Adams will be at the helm of the charity from July 17.

The pair, who are taking the reins from CEO Martin Realy, will share the role and bring more than 60 years of experience working in supported housing, homelessness and mental health to the charity.

Ms Dewhurst was the former chief executive of charity Oxford Homeless Pathways, ‘transforming’ the service during her 13-year stint.

She was also gifted with the Freedom of the City from Oxford City Council in September 2016.

Ms Dewhurst said: “ I am delighted to be joining Restore and look forward to leading Restore into the next phase of its development.”

Mr Adams, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the social housing sector, will be stepping down from his role as trustee at Restore to take on his new challenge.

He said: “There is so much opportunity at Restore and I can’t wait to work with Lesley to show that together we are a stronger team and can create an exciting future for Restore.”

Restore, in Manzil Way, was founded in 1977 by Lord Young of Dartington and psychiatrist Dr Peter Agulnik to provide work and volunteering opportunities for people with mental health conditions.

Last year, it supported 1,100 people ‘take control of their mental health recovery’, developing skills to return to employment.