What does an elephant have in common with trainee doctors?
When a group of trainee doctors made contact to learn about Restore's services, little did anyone know that before long AN ELEPHANT would be running around Oxford raising funds… the start of a wonderful partnership.
The Tingewick Society, a group of fourth year medical students, choose two charities each year that they fundraise for, whilst completing their clinical placements. The students and their tutor, Dr. Ellen Fallows, who had been impressed by Restore’s work since her time as a GP on Manzil Way, visited Restore’s Beehive recovery group in January for first hand experience of therapeutic interventions outside a hospital setting.
Led by Beehive Coordinator, Laurent, the group explored Restore’s creative workshop and garden for therapeutic benefit. They discussed essential theories and practices—like Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the Theory of Change, and the power of mindfulness and peer support.
Inspired by the visit, the students set out to support Restore’s work for better mental health in the community. Over the past nine months, they’ve raised funds in creative ways: scaling the Three Peaks in 24 hours, running the Oxford Half in costumes, and even staging plays.
Dr. Fallows has since arranged a follow-up visit with the new cohort of students, ensuring the next generation of doctors gains first-hand insight into the value of compassionate, community-centred mental health care.
