Discover the hyperbaric oxygen therapy centre in the heart of HarrogateHow Harrogate became home to ‘skin tightening specialist of the North’

This story is sponsored by HIFU Clinics UK.


A Harrogate clinic has taken the title of “skin-tightening specialist of the North” after launching a brand-new treatment not offered anywhere else in the UK. 

HIFU Clinics UK, which opened on Westmoreland Street this summer, is five-star rated on Google and has invested tens of thousands of pounds in state-of-the-art clinical equipment imported from the United States. It specialises in high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and all its treatments are non-surgical. 

Its new HIFU Ultra Dual® therapy combines HIFU Ultra Med with radio frequency (RF) microneedling – sometimes known as Morpheus 8 – to produce what it says is the “ultimate skin-tightening treatment”. 

Michelle Clarke, director of HIFU Clinics UK.

Founder and director Michelle Clarke said: 

“HIFU is the latest and deepest-penetrating skin-tightening technology on the market. It’s particularly popular with women going through menopause, as that’s when a woman’s body starts to show its age at a faster rate, especially around the jawline, jowl and neck. 

“Most of our clients are between the ages of 40 and 70, and they prefer a more natural, rejuvenated look.

“Going under the knife can be painful, invasive, and it doesn’t even address skin quality. My approach is far more natural, and gives a fresher, brighter look.” 

Michelle has been in practice since 2011 and opened her first clinic in Wakefield in 2016. She is also a tutor and trains practioners from across the UK on how to deliver HIFU treatments. 

Before and after photos showing the effect of HIFU treatment on a client's neck following treatment at HIFU Clinics UK.

A Harrogate client who was delighted with the treatment and her experience.

Over the last 12 years, her reputation has grown and clients – some of them celebrities – now come to see her from as far afield as London and Scotland. 

A Harrogate resident (pictured above) who recently had HIFU treatment said she had a “wonderful experience” on her first visit, adding:

“One of the standout aspects of my visit was the exceptional customer service delivered by Michelle. She went above and beyond in explaining the procedure to me, ensuring I understood everything clearly.

“Her expertise and friendly manner put me at ease throughout the entire process.

“The results of the HIFU treatment were beyond my expectations, and I couldn’t be happier.

“I am truly grateful to Michelle for her professionalism and outstanding care. Thank you for making my HIFU treatment experience exceptional!”

Michelle said: 

“They make the journey because they trust us. This is new technology, so the equipment is improving rapidly, but we always make sure we keep up with ongoing clinical developments. My clients know we will always have the latest state-of-the-art clinical equipment, because we specialise in this. 

“This isn’t just another clinic – we’re the skin-tightening specialist of the North, and we offer something you just can’t get anywhere else.” 


Find out more: 

HIFU Clinics UK offers a personalised full skin assessment by appointment only.  

To book your FREE consultation, call 01423 648949 or email admin@hifuclinicsuk.com.

Harrogate support group launched for pupils moving up from primary to secondary school

A Harrogate therapy centre is launching a support group for pupils moving up from primary to secondary school in the wake of the pandemic.

Created by The Harlow’s new psychotherapeutic counsellor Laura Keay, ‘Stepping Up’ is a programme aimed at providing children with an environment of “listening, sharing and empowerment”, so that they can embrace this change.

Ms Keay works with adults and has a specialism in children and young people at the centre at Cardale Park.

She has worked with people suffering from a wide range of issues including anxiety, stress, social anxiety, exam pressure, harmful eating, self-esteem issues and bullying.


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She said:

“Moving from primary school into secondary education can be a huge challenge for young people; even more so when we take into account the last few years of educational disruption due to the pandemic.

“The whole premise behind Stepping Up is to give children the tools to navigate this change and thrive in their new environment.”

Stepping Up will also support parents and guardians. It will help them understand the stages of child development and gain insight into effective language and behaviours that will support the confidence of their child through this key stage.

With a maximum group size of eight – with one parent or guardian per child – Stepping Up involves five two-hour sessions at £20 per session.

For more information call 01423 595000 or email info@theharlow.co.uk.

Nidderdale luxury glamping site expands

Yurtshire, in the Nidderdale countryside, is drawing on the power of nature, to create a revitalising experience for visitors from across the Harrogate district and further afield.

The 93-acre site, which features Eavestone Lake, is being developed by Tom Sterne, whose family are long-term investors in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors, in Ripon and surrounding areas.

Located between Ripon and Pateley Bridge, just off the B6265 road, the site with its nine luxurious tree yurts, opened last summer.

Following the high demand of a staycation year, three more units are being added, after planning permission was granted by Harrogate Borough Council.

Plans are also in hand to add spa-type facilities and services, including a sauna, facial and body massages.

Eavestone Lake

The site features the 13-acre Eavestone Lake


Mr Sterne, who has more than ten years of experience of outdoor hospitality-based business, gained through his operation of hire company Yorkshire Yurts and    YurtBar, which caters for the corporate entertainment market, told the Stray Ferret:

“I’m using the expertise that I have gained to create a new facility to satisfy the needs of people who are increasingly focused on wellness, lifestyle issues and the environment.”

He pointed out:

“Our site has an abundance of natural assets, including forty acres of forest, a 13-acre lake and the biodiversity that goes with them, from birds, butterflies and insects to clear night-time skies that are perfect for people whose spirits are lifted by looking at the stars.

“The aim is to harness and harmonise with all aspects of the natural environment – woodland, water and wildlife – to provide guests with a restful and regenerative stay that is good for mind, body and the healing process.

“That is why people wanting to find a peaceful and idyllic place to go on retreat, represent a growing part of our business.”

Interior of a Yurtshire yurt

The yurts have been designed to provide a five-star level of luxury


In the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Yurtshire is surrounded by stunning  scenery, that would not look out of place on a canvas by the landscape master painter J.M.W. Turner.

Views from the decking of each Yurt site, which has its own private hot tub, underline why nearby Grassington was chosen for filming of the smash-hit Channel 5 programme All Creatures Great and Small.

Hot tub at Yourtshire yurt

Each of the nine placements has its own private hot tub and decking area


With Grassington and other attractions, such as Fountains Abbey, Studley Royal, Brimham Rocks and Stump Cross Caverns, drawing more staycationers to Yorkshire, there is scope for Yurtshire to build on a successful first season.

Tom Sterne and Nicola Warters

Nicola Warters, pictured here with Tom Sterne, says the yurts provide five-star luxury in idyllic surroundings


Yurtshire manager Nicola Warters, said:

“We are providing the type of luxury accommodation that can be found in a five-star hotel, but instead of waking up surrounded by bricks and mortar, our visitors are in the heart of the woodland and arise to the sound of birds singing.

“Some also come for the pleasure of picking out the star constellations, as they relax in the soothing waters of their hot tub. It’s therapeutic on every level.”


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Majority of young people in North Yorkshire have suffered from poor mental health

A report from a Harrogate-based organisation has found that 72% of young people said they had experienced mental health or well-being issues in the past year.

The research is part of a new report published by Healthwatch North Yorkshire. It says mental health services need “significant improvement” so more young people aged 16-24 can access the help they need.

As well as a survey, researchers organised focus groups at Harrogate College and Selby College to gather the views of young people.

Of those who said they had experienced poor mental health, only half said they sought help.

Reasons given for not seeking support included long waiting times to access support, the stigma surrounding mental health, and not knowing where to go.

Of those who did seek support, most respondents sought help from their GP, talked to friends and family, or got support at their school, college, or university.


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Those people who did get support from NHS services had a mixed response.

Some found the services helpful, but many raised concerns about long waiting times and fragmented services.

Helena, a young student involved with this research shared her own mental health experiences:

“Mental health and well-being are important topics that affect us all. However, this area still has a lot of stigmas around it, and there is a lot more that needs to be done to improve the mental health services across North Yorkshire and promote mental health across schools and colleges.

“Through personal experience I have come to value the importance of having support from all people, whether that is my friends or family, or the services provided locally, they are all vital in helping me to manage my own mental health.”

“I would call on all service providers in health and education to read this report and act on its recommendations and findings. Together we need to ensure that mental health services and support are equally provided cross the county.”

Read the full report here.