Quaker group makes proposals for The Retreat
The proposals include ‘a day conference… to reflect on the achievements of The Retreat in collaboration with the Borthwick Institute and others who historically have had close links to The Retreat’.
A group of Quakers has made some proposals regarding the development of The Retreat estate at Heslington Road in York. The proposals come from the coordinating group for ‘Quaker Voices on Mental Health’ (QVMH) which is a national group supported by the Quaker Mental Health Fund (formerly The Retreat Benevolent Fund).
John Miles, member of Nailsworth Quaker Meeting and part of the coordinating group, told the Friend: ‘The Retreat hospital, founded by William Tuke, a York Quaker, opened in 1793. Our proposals are intended to bring public attention to the international significance of what Tuke did for the care of the mentally unwell. It was as revolutionary as Elizabeth Fry’s work on prison reform. We would like to enter into discussion with those involved with the future of the historic grounds and buildings to create a lasting tribute. So far, we have only been able to put our ideas to the Yorkshire Friends who were invited to the first meeting of an advisory heritage group that was convened in December.’
The proposals include ‘a day conference… to reflect on the achievements of The Retreat in collaboration with the Borthwick Institute and others who historically have had close links to The Retreat’. The QVMH group also say they would also like ‘to explore with the developers the feasibility of creating an exhibition space on the Heslington Road Estate that would present something of the history of psychiatric care dating from when The Retreat opened in 1796’.
A spokesperson for the PJ Livesey Group said: ‘The history and heritage of the Heslington Road site and the work done there by The Retreat is hugely important and a dedicated Heritage Group has been set up to look at how this can best be recorded and celebrated. We are open to all suggestions.
‘The estate is an important part of York history and we are holding escorted walks around the grounds on 2 April and 9 April for people to learn more about this very special place. The Retreat is actually expanding its work – just in different, more community-based ways.’ This includes a new children’s service in Strensall and expanding its services into the North West.
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By Breuer on 6th April 2022 - 10:53
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