Former member, and new mental health peer support worker at Keystone, Aideen, spoke to our editorial volunteer about her experience at Restore.

“Being a member at Restore was an integral part of my recovery journey. The most important benefit that I got there was hope”  says Aideen. Her lifelong struggles with mental ill health came to a crisis in 2019.

“My family and friends were really supportive but I ended up going to the Warneford Hospital for a little stay there,” says Aideen. As part of her recovery journey she was introduced to a two-year programme at local mental health charity Restore, where she chose to join their Elder Stubbs group. This focuses on woodwork and growing food and flowers at a tranquil allotment site in East Oxford.

“I’ve learnt that the three core characteristics of recovery from mental ill health are hope, control and opportunity.

“My time with Restore provided all of those, with a holistic approach and support from other members as well as the amazing staff.

“I learnt new skills and you are consulted about what tasks you want to do and how to do them. This really helps build your confidence.”

The Restore team also introduced Aideen to an involvement feedback workstream within the NHS called Our Voice Forum, where she could share her own experience to help improve the service. This led on to her training and qualifying for a job with the NHS as a Peer Support Worker for mental health, which she started in December 2022 at new Keystone Hubs.

“I never thought that I’d get an opportunity like that when I was in the Warneford thinking that everything was just bleak. Now, I can look back and think that even though it was really hard, really painful and really tough. I feel I’m through the worst and more stable, and I can see a future in supporting other people. I feel I’m able to pay back for all the care, help and time that Restore gave me.”

It takes courage to share personal experience. Stories like Aideen’s help to explain how Restore walks alongside individuals, supporting them from feelings of despair to excitement at new beginnings. To find out more about Elder Stubbs, Recovery Groups or to look into the Referral process for becoming a member visit https://www.restore.org.uk/get-help