YOU MATTER a retreat for parents and carers 20/07/24

It can be really hard to look after ourselves as parents and carers when we are so focused on caring for little ones. It's stressful and exhausting isn't it?! That's why we are offering this wellbeing retreat morning that's just for you (although babes in arms are welcome to join us). We want to extend this warm welcome to all who identify as a parent or carer, any age, stage or gender. You may never have been to a retreat before, this will be a small introduction to give you a taster!

Free to book, donations welcome on the day!

Thanks to grant funding from Social Enterprise Kent from the NHS Vital 5 project this special wellbeing morning is offered on a donation basis. Booking is essential to ensure there is quiet space and time in the hall for everyone. There are just 12 spaces available in total.

Vital 5: NHS England has identified 5 priorities for improving adult health, they call "Vital 5". NHS England believe that reducing obesity and harmful drinking, stopping smoking, controlling blood pressure, and identifying and improving poor mental health will help prevent ill health, promote good health, and improve detection, management and treatment of existing conditions.

In our morning together we will focus on teaching you tools to reduce stress and improve your mental health.

What's included:

This retreat will provide you with a safe space to be yourself and to acknowledge some of the highs and lows that parenting/being a carer can bring. It's amazing the difference 2.5 hours can bring for your self esteem, clarity and hope levels.

Your time at the retreat so important. Activities will be provided but everything is optional. We are looking forward to providing time to:

• meet and make friends with other local parents and carers.
• enjoy some refreshments without interuption!
• learn a range of tools to help deal with stress such as mind mapping, solution focused questions and Emotinal Freedom Technique (EFT also called tapping).
• wander in the garden and enjoying nature.
• share what you're discovering with the group which is especially helpful for those who process out loud.

Below is a picture from our winter retreat when we enjoyed joyed toasted marshmallows.

Getting to Ashford Road Community Association Hall:

The Hall is on the A28 near Canterbury. The bus route out of Canterbury is towards Ashford, up Wincheap Road. Buses stop near the hall.

If you are coming from the coast by car the Hall is two minutes away from the A28 exit of the A2, signposted to Ashford and Canterbury. There is plenty of parking.

The Hall is only 12 minutes walk from Wincheap park and ride.

Facilities:

We will be using the large hall and beautiful gardens outdoors with flat terrace so it's accessible for all.

There are accessible toilets at the Hall and easy access up a ramp at the entrance .

Here's some feedback from one of our previous retreats:

What to bring:

For your comfort you may want a cushion, blanket and fluffy socks! Sitting on chairs or the floor and lying down at the retreat are all very welcome! We will provide all the refreshments and materials for a really special morning.

If you have a journal, you are welcome to bring that too!

Babes in arms are very welcome, we are pleased to accommodate non mobile babies, including any breast, chest and bottle feeding or changing requirements you have.

Introducing Aileen, one of two retreat facilitators:

Hi I'm Aileen White and I have been a retreat facilitator and birth worker for the past 11 years. I know how exhausting parenting is and from my time as a foster carer I have some idea of how difficult a full time caring role can be too.

Many forms of genuine self care take time, money to commitment and I know all of those things are in short supply for most of us. Thanks to grants sourced by My Birth Support CIC, our half day retreats aim to give you some genuine quality time without breaking the bank thanks to grants we have sourced to support you.

Find out more about Aileen and her work supporting families on their journey into parenthood here or you can email Aileen at [email protected] if you have questions.

Introducing Keji, your second retreat facilitator:

Hi I'm Keji Moses, founder and CEO of Mayah's Legacy. I take a holistic approach to providing support that considers the whole person, not just their mental health needs. Our support must be balanced with physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. My goal is to improve the communication between families and their care providers, facilitating truly informed decisions.

My intention is to co-create a community of like-minded and caring people who want to move forward without forgetting the ones who are no longer with them. When you’re ready to reach out and take the next step, we’re always right here to support you.

Find out more about Keji and her work supporting families on their journey into parenthood here or you can email Mayah's Legacy at [email protected] if you have questions.

Host or Publisher Aileen White of My BIrth