What is Elder Stubbs Garden Group?

The Elder Stubbs Garden Group, part of RESTORE, is a community project based on the allotment site owned by the Elder Stubbs Charity in Rymers Lane, near Florence Park in Oxford.

Established in 1988, the project was the first in the country to operate on a working site alongside other allotment holders.  The group undertakes a wide variety of horticultural work, cooking, woodwork, and related craft activities to produce high quality goods for sale. We work very much as a team, and also recognise the importance of social and leisure activities.

Since our arrival in 1988, the site has been transformed from a jungle of shoulder high weeds into a highly productive working allotment site. In the same time, the group has acquired permanent purpose-built buildings. These feature a kitchen, where we prepare and cook lunch, a workshop that houses a thriving wood recycling project, and a shop.

The group is a valued local resource, with strong links to the community. As well as providing a service to the public through our sales, we participate in Oxford in Bloom, and host an annual festival in August, which has become a celebrated Oxford event.

Who is it for?

Elder Stubbs Garden Group is for people of working age who have experienced a mental health problem. The most common link between everyone is the commitment made to themselves and to the group, through being involved in both the work and social aspects of the project.  Our group based approach encourages people to effect positive change as part of a team.

A wide range of activities is offered, appropriate to all levels of ability, and allowing individuals to benefit from interesting and fulfilling work.  We believe that it is by catering for each person's needs and abilities that greater independence and confidence can be achieved.  It is important therefore, that people are allowed to develop skills, both practical and social, at their own pace.

How do people benefit from coming to Elder Stubbs?

It is important that whatever aspect of the group’s work people are involved in, they feel a sense of achievement and success. This can come through purposeful practical work and/or more regular and sustained social contact.  By sharing problems and challenges, the group provides a supportive environment in which people can express their own difficulties and also develop an understanding of the needs and concerns of others.  The group takes much pride in the quality of the goods it produces, the appearance of the allotment site, and the high regard in which the local community holds it.  Successful integration into the community helps people to feel valued and accepted, as individuals and as part of a group.

Individuals are encouraged to consider their future aims and how Elder Stubbs Garden Group might help to achieve them. People have access to other RESTORE projects, where they can be supported to explore and become involved in other aspects of the community.

How often do people come to Elder Stubbs?

The group is open from Monday to Friday between 9.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m., with lunch provided. Whilst some people come every day, most people attend on a part- time basis.  It is usual for new members to start off on a part-time basis. After a trial period of about a month, a review is arranged with the group member and a staff member with the appropriate key worker to discuss progress made and any difficulties that may have arisen.  These reviews continue on a regular basis, giving people the opportunity to talk over any aspects of the group, and consider the option of spending more or less time at Elder Stubbs, if felt to be appropriate and beneficial, and to discuss future options.

How do people join?

For further information about the opportunities available and the referral process, please contact  the Referral Co-ordinator at Elder Stubbs on (01865) 747176

Elder Stubbs Garden Group is part of RESTORE Ltd (Reg. Charity No. 274222).