Press Release 06 August 2024

The Retreat Clinics commit to ongoing Autism, ADHD and mental health support following August Council planning meeting

The Retreat Clinics are pleased to announce continuing support for people seeking counselling, psychotherapy and autism & ADHD assessments, following approval for the proposed development of the Retreat Hospital site by specialist property developer and restorer P J Livesey at the York Council planning committee meeting on August 1st.

The Retreat Clinics has worked closely with P J Livesey and the development will see the original Retreat buildings back in use, with the beautiful grounds accessible to enjoy by the whole community.

Ruth Dixon, the Retreat Clinics Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to know that the building and grounds will be cared for and maintained.  As a charity founded in York in 1792, we will continue to work with Autism, ADHD and mental health; we’d like to be in York for another 228 years!”

The Retreat Clinics continues to offer mental health support and autism and ADHD assessments for children, young people and adults from the Tuke Centre on the same site as the original hospital, as well as online and from Hampden House in Manchester.  After stopping inpatient services in 2018, the larger Grade 2* listed site was no longer needed, and The Retreat was keen that the history of the original building should be honoured.

The Retreat was the first organisation in the world to offer moral treatment for people with mental health issues, treating its patients with respect and dignity.  It’s world history for York to feel proud of.

Movement: Moving More For Our Mental Health

Have you ever wondered why health professionals keep focusing on physical health when dealing with mental health? The answer is easy – they are connected. If you can improve your physical activity, even just an extra five minutes a day, you can be supporting not only your physical health but also your mental health.

How?

The benefits of physical activity on mental health are varied but include:

• increases self-esteem – you can gain a sense of achievement which then supports you to set new goals thereby improving motivation, confidence and reduced social isolation.
• releases chemicals in the brain that impact mood positively – the impact of such chemicals can help reduce anxiety and depression and negative mood.
• decreases stress – cortisol and adrenaline are the body’s stress hormones and exercise can help reduce these within the body.
• reduces fatigue – ironically exercise reduces fatigue and can increase alertness and concentration.
• improves sleep – a better quality of sleep can be the product of regular exercise.
• Can reduce somatic trauma manifestations – activities such as yoga, medication, stillness, massage, and breath work can support trauma processing and bring relief to the body and mind.

Just five minutes a day can help so find your exercise: are you a walker, or a chair exerciser, are you a gym goer or a dancer in your bedroom to your favourite tunes? Whatever it is, it all counts, and it will all support your mental health in positive ways! Try it!