Siblings Supportive Overnight Retreat - POSTPONED UNTIL 2021

28 November 2020 – 29 November 2020

Ammerdown Centre, Bath

POSTPONED TO 2021

A one-day overnight retreat for bereaved brothers and sisters aged 18+

Please join us at this supportive retreat from lunchtime Saturday 28th November until after lunch on Sunday 29th November 2020. The retreat is only for bereaved adult siblings and will be run by sibling volunteers.

This will be an opportunity to meet in a safe place and share with others who have experienced the loss of a sibling early in life. We will have sole use of the Ammerdown Centre and in this relaxed and comfortable environment, you will find support and understanding, and explore strategies to cope with life after loss, and build resilience for the future.

The cost for the weekend - including all meals, accommodation and activities from Saturday lunch until after lunch on Sunday is £105.

Please note that priority will be given to those who have not attended a sibling retreat before.

See what people have said who have been to other retreats:

"For the first time (since losing my brother) I was in a room full of people who understood me. I could talk to people without fear of judgment, without the fear of making people uncomfortable or having to filter myself when things got awkward. I was surrounded by people I didn’t have to explain myself to because they had been through the loss of their best friend, brother or sister. They knew the pain and we realised in those moments, when we bared our souls to each other and cried our hearts out, it was ok that we were broken. It was ok that we might never be fixed because at least we weren’t alone. We finally had each other. "

"This weekend has changed me as a person. I’ve met some of the bravest and most inspiring people I’ll ever meet. The people who understand the pain and heartbreak of losing a sibling, who are there to listen as well as share their sibling’s stories. These people I hope to continue to call friends. I can’t explain how amazing it is to talk to other people who have been through the same experience and won’t judge you because they understand everything you are saying. Thank you so much to The Compassionate Friends for organising the retreat and I look forward to seeing everyone again next year."

"I found the weekend so helpful and peaceful, and actually felt comfortable and safe at the retreat. I felt like I finally fit in somewhere."

"Being able to relate to so much of what people shared and having space to reflect on different perspectives, gave me a lot to take away."

"I did the unthinkable... I walked into a room full of strangers and left with lots of hugs and tears and great memories. Thank you so much for the retreat, I didn't realise how much I needed it."

The venue

The Ammerdown Centre is a Retreat Centre nestling in woods next to a stately home, surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and parkland, with a beautiful chapel in its midst. The whole place is steeped in peace and tranquility. No traffic noise, only birdsong! Yet, it is only 12 miles from Bath and is easy to access, with ample free car parking on site.

Ammerdown is not meant to be a 5-star hotel. Rooms are simple but very comfortable, with ensuite facilities. The staff are dedicated to making us warmly welcome, and the home-cooked food is of a high quality.

(Please note that although Ammerdown is a Christian Centre it is open to people of all faiths and none, and the supportive weekend we run here for The Compassionate Friends has no religious content).

There is a railway station in Bath, and it is easy to get a bus from the station to the short distance to Radstock. Radstock bus station is just 1.5 miles away from Ammerdown.

Read more about The Ammerdown Centre.

We would love to see you there! Places are limited so please do book early.

Please note that our weekend retreats are run by bereaved sibling volunteers. Our volunteers are not professionals and so what we offer is a uniquely warm, comforting and supportive two days organised and facilitated by siblings who have also experienced the loss of a brother or sister and have found understanding and hope themselves through The Compassionate Friends.

 

If you would like more information about the weekend please contact events@tcf.org.uk

If you are interested in joining our private Siblings Facebook group please contact Emma at emmaandow@icloud.com or Hayley on hayleypinkerfield@yahoo.co.uk

If you would like to make a donation toward the weekend and our work with bereaved families please use this link www.tcf.org.uk/donate or add a bursary fund donation when you book.

CANCELLATIONS
Please note that if you need to cancel your place, please do so by 30th October 2020 and we will be able to refund your place, less a £25 admin fee. After that date we are afraid that our charity will be unable to offer any refunds.