The Retreat

My experience today couldn't have been worse. They need lessons on emotional personality disorder Anxiety they treated me like i was thick and I didn't appreciate it

Always shutting early or not at all, due to STAFFING LEVELS "

This is like the third time I have needed the service but thay closed early you shouldn't offer a service if you are incapable of providing it. Please don't keep blaming covid either you had the same issued before its really not OK.

Absolutely no parking and miles from anywhere so didn't even get to the front door to see just how bad they really are, but I'm guessing they're pretty ****.

Having experienced mental health services in both South West London and Bournemouth, I have to say that the quality of care is so much better in Bournemouth. In my opinion, this is largely in part thanks to places like the Retreat, where you can turn up and have a chat with another person if you are experiencing mental health difficulties.They will also point you in the right direction for further services you can access too. For example i learnt today that if you are really struggling during the evening, you can dial 111 and speak to an out of hours GP.

Was really happy with the service.I was welcomed and shown around and had a chat with one of the workers.Sat in the room observing others mostly, I mostly needed to be around others without needing to be asked overly personal questions and it was great I managed to join in some conversations after a while of settling in. Will be using this service again.

Unfortunately I've had a lot of experience dealing with the usually completely useless mental health services in dorset, I'd actually never heard of the Retreat until I contacted 111 during a very difficult time and had been fobbed off again by the mental health nurse at my surgery.I was shown round the facility and introduced to staff members, I waited in a lounge area where I was offered tea and was made to feel at ease.It wasn't long until I was able to have a one to one conversation, unfortunately I can't remember her name but I really felt listened to and we spoke for a long time.I brought up the fact that I'd been suffering with insomnia for months and that was exacerbating my problems, she recommended I try 15mg mirtazapine and it has been life changing, I cannot thank her enough.I wouldn't hesitate to come back here again if I felt it necessary and highly recommend the Retreat to anyone that needs support.

I really reccomend this place for anyone with mental health issues. Gets me out, which I need to do sometimes, great support, when needed. It really helps me to not isolate myself so much. You can talk to a member of staff if you want to as well. Another great help. You may feel a bit lost there yo start with but once you get yo know the staff and some of the other users there it's nice, a safe place too.

I just want to say that I had never used this service before yesterday. They are struggling with staffing levels due to COVID but despite this they were open and I spent an hour and a half with Julie who was extremely helpful, empathetic and assisted me to make a plan to stay safe and access further support. This service is literally saving lives. It's sad to see some negative reviews but the reality is it is run by people like you and me and I'm sure that it is extremely tough for them as it is for us. The issues being discussed are exceptionally stressful and I'm not making excuses but I just wanted to say that despite the pandemic I felt incredibly supported and cared about, and thank Julie so much for helping me.

At first I was glad I went. On arrival the woman was very nice and comforting. I sat out in the garden for 20 or so mins before a woman 'nurse' sat next to me and started asking why I was there. I was never offered a quiet room to go to. She made jokes about my life, offered no help and even after telling her about my suicide attempt and how I wanted to try again..nothing. Then I spent an hour and a half in the garden crying my eyes out before running out, no one tried to talk to me. No one cared. It made me feel worse. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone who needs help.