One in four of us will experience a mental health problem this year.

Having a mental health problem can be debilitating and isolating. Restore is an Oxfordshire charity that supports people with severe mental health problems to get well and get work. People who use Restore’s recovery service do gardening, woodwork, crafts, catering or customer service in a supportive, work-like environment. The organisation also provides one-to-one support for people to set and achieve their goals and get work. It runs social enterprises such as the Garden Café in Cowley Road and organises community events such as the Elder Stubbs Festival. James (not his real name) has used Restore’s services and moved on to paid work. He said: “I’d been suffering with anxiety for a number of years. It had a very detrimental effect on relationships and day-to-day living. I wanted to get back into work and to recover from my mental health issues. Having done some research, Restore seemed like an important step along the way.

“My first impressions were that Restore was full of friendly people, lots to do, lots of opportunities. Staff and volunteers wanted to help. There was a good mixture of people with everyone contributing. The lack of a feel of hierarchy gave a communal feel, which I think is really important. You don’t want a support service where people feel segregated and Restore avoids this.

“Restore gave me a routine, allowed me to meet others, learn new skills, and feel valued. The work made me feel like I am making a difference – the work members do at Restore helps support the organisation.

“At Restore I have learnt employment skills, interview practice, how to look for jobs, and CV help. This has been a big help towards me getting a job.

“Since I began using Restore’s services, I feel more confident and more organised. My thoughts are also a lot calmer. I am more used to routine.

“Now I am working part-time in a job that Fiona from Restore’s employment service helped me to get. I feel that I would have struggled to get this job without help from Fiona.

“I think Restore is a fantastic place and it should be a model for support services in other parts of the country.

“I hope people will donate to Restore and support us by visiting our Garden Café. The organisation works with people to get them into employment when they are ready, but they are not forced into work before they are well enough to work.”

 

  • To find out more about volunteering at Restore or to refer yourself or someone else, visit restore.org.uk or call 0845 250 0518. The Garden Café is in Manzil Way, Cowley Road and is open Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm.