Naming campaign launched for ‘gateway’ of support for communities in York 

York St John’s Counselling & Mental Health Centre (CMHC) is moving to new premises in Clarence Street to form a new research hub and one-stop-shop of public facing services.  Scheduled to open in early 2022, the centre will help to meet increasing need for mental health support in the community in York. 

Now YSJ staff, students, external partners and members of the community in York are being asked to suggest a name for the new centre. The CMHC team are particularly keen to hear ideas from the wider public as the centre will be an open resource for the community. The new centre has the working title of the Clarence Street Communities Centre with its official name to be announced later this year after the consultation.  

The CMHC currently provides a range of evidence-based individual and group interventions delivered by staff and students.  Specifically, the centre generates specialist research and practice in the areas of bereavement and domestic abuse, including support with bereavement for York St John staff.  There are currently over 40 practitioners and trainees on placement, including undergraduate and postgraduate trainees.  

Keen to build on a founding value of being able to work with people ‘from cradle to grave’, the move will build on existing services, research, training, and placements to generate extended and novel specialisms. This includes a forthcoming project for children, young people and families affected by domestic violence and abuse.    

The CMHC’s bereavement work is growing and its new research project with  Cruse Bereavement Care furthers research opportunities for staff and students.  Additionally, the Centre regularly collaborates with the domestic abuse charity IDAS, including a forthcoming project for children, young people and families affected by domestic violence and abuse. 

Professor Lynne Gabriel, Director of The Counselling & Mental Health Centre said: “The new centre is an exciting move in York St John University’s ongoing investment in work and research which makes a meaningful contribution to and impact on citizens and communities. 

"I’m delighted about the move which offers potential for multidisciplinary work from many subjects including counselling, psychology, and education.   The Centre will offer innovative opportunities for the University’s research, knowledge exchange and teaching excellence agendas and, importantly, extend rich research and placement possibilities for students and staff.”  

For further information, please contact Lynne and the CMHC Team at cmhc@yorksj.ac.uk.

Pictured: Professor Lynne Gabriel, Director of The Counselling & Mental Health Centre