Stories of Recovery

‘Working at Restore offers a unique blend of comfort and challenge: you can be open about your diagnosis, knowing that others around you empathise from their own experience…’ I came to Oxford after having a flare-up of bipolar mania. I … Read more

Restore helped me to rediscover my former healthy self Tomek Brus has been involved with Restore for over ten years, initially as a member of one of our Recovery Projects, and more recently, as a Restore volunteer. Here, he shares … Read more

I was in a difficult and completely alien situation. I’d been consistently in employment for over 35 years and then I just found myself at home with a lot of time on my hands. I was away from the workplace … Read more

I first heard about Restore when I was in hospital. A man named Andy came to talk to us all about what support there would be available to us when we left. I’m so glad he did because if he … Read more

When I was at work, I was beginning to get ill with bipolar, anxiety and agrophobia. I was having relapse at work, but I didn’t want to tell anybody. My mother had breast cancer and my wife was struggling to … Read more

I became aware of my creativity during my time as a Marketing Manager. When I was made redundant and whilst looking for employment I went on a part-time Access Course in Art and Design. During that time my health took … Read more

In 2009 I had a major accident at work. A two-tonne weight fell on me causing a head injury and lots of broken bones including my arms, legs, knee, ankle – they thought I was dead as I wasn’t breathing. … Read more

My first approach to Restore was after I had left work in September 2008 through ill-health. In previous years I had suffered bi-polar and been very ill at times. My psychiatrist recommended Restore as a good starting point in getting … Read more

I was getting quite stressed and depressed having nothing to wake up for in the morning so my CPN (Community Psychiatric Nurse) suggested I try Restore. I reckon if I hadn’t come here I’d have ended up back in hospital. … Read more

I started at Restore in October after being discharged from the Adolescent Unit at the Warneford Hospital. It was difficult being at hospital as it was the first time I’d been away from my parents. I liked Restore the first … Read more

Restore is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’ve got a new life and new beginning. I had a difficult relationship with my family as I felt unloved and unwanted. I’ve had depression for a long time and I … Read more

I referred myself to Restore after leaving my job, which was a traumatic time for me. Within a couple of weeks I was able to start at Restore. I’d seen the sign on Cowley Road before, but had no idea … Read more

Everyone at Restore is eager to help and very supportive, and it’s great to feel I can put my expertise and skills to good use. I’ve always lived a vibrant life full of people and activity. I’ve run my own … Read more