Garden developed at The Retreat to help patients

5:16pm Friday 16th November 2007

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A SECRET garden could hold the key to helping patients with mental illness in York.

Gardens developed by staff and patients at The Retreat, in Heslington Road, York, are helping patients recover from mental illness.

Management at the York-based mental health provider recognised that the right environment could help patients recover more quickly.

A spokesman for The Retreat said it is now "utilising the magnificent 50-acre grounds to full effect".

Plans to create new gardens and walkways within the grounds of the organisation are taking shape.

Tish O'Brien, The Retreat's head of occupational therapy, said: "We know a good environment has a positive effect on mental health and being able to engage in the creation of that environment is fantastic for our patients."

The organisation works with the NHS to provide care for people with complex and difficult needs.

As a not-for-profit body, any surplus made by The Retreat is reinvested in its services.

The organisation has used the surplus to invest to create the secret garden, where patients will be able to grow vegetables, plants and flowers, as well as using its solitude for relaxation.

A project is currently under way to create an additional garden for patients outside The Retreat's Charlotte Unit - an adult unit for men.

Patients have joined with staff to build new trellising and plant flowers to create a peaceful new garden area.

In addition, plans are being put forward for a new path around the grounds which will provide a route for patients, visitors and staff to use.

Central to many of these new developments is The Retreat's occupational therapy technical instructor Steve Barton.

He feels passionately that being active outside is a vital part of treatment for mental illness. Mr Barton has enrolled on a horticultural therapy course at Askham Bryan College to improve his knowledge in this area, alongside Mike Taylor, The Retreat's groundsman.

Mr Barton said: "I see so many patients thrive when they get the chance to help in the gardens.

"Working with the plants and digging the soil not only gives them exercise and fresh air, but it helps them communicate with staff and other patients in a relaxed way."