This week, Restore pays tribute to the remarkable contributions of Rose Hallam, former chief executive, whose legacy is etched in Restore’s history and the countless lives she positively impacted.
The Guardian shared this obituary written by Rose’s husband Nic:
“In 1985 [until 2001] she became the third director (chief executive) of Restore, a mental health charity based in the Cowley area of the city.
“She took this position at an interesting time when Restore was increasingly forming a presence in the community and the tight links with the psychiatric hospitals were loosening. Although Restore’s base at Manzil Way was well established, Rose oversaw a broadening of activity on that site, and under her guidance the charity was able to utilise land at the Elder Stubbs allotments nearby at Rymers Lane, providing therapeutic opportunities in horticulture, cooking and craft for people recovering from mental ill-health.
“As a result of successful bids to charitable sources, including the national lottery, it became possible to build on both sites, enabling Restore to grow into the much larger organisation it is today. She helped to forge links with other voluntary organisations and began reducing the stigma of mental health by interacting with the community at large through events such as the annual Elder Stubbs festival.”
The Restore family shares its love and sympathies with Rose’s friends and family, along with thanks for being an inspiration and contributing so much to mental health care and to this community.