Testimonials

“Thank you so much for an amazing retreat. It was an experience like no other; powerful, life affirming and inspirational.”  ED Dr 2022

“THIS SHOULD BE MANDATORY!! What a fantastic opportunity to take time out of ‘busy-ness’, step away from the madness of medicine and refill the tank. Has given me lots of ideas moving forward how to look after myself and to think about how I want my future to look. Very supportive environment. Sandy and Sam are perfect facilitators. Lots of laughing as well as a few tears!” GP 2021

“The retreat took me out of reality for 3 days and it was lovely to be in a stunning location with wonderful people discussing our well-being as well as enjoying incredible meals, cakes, homely fires and bonus dog. I would do it again without hesitation. I felt equipped and refreshed to face another week in the NHS.”  Core Medical Trainee 2020.   

“Can’t recommend this retreat highly enough- so much kindness in one weekend! Felt very looked after! Enjoyed the creativity and connection with other medics. Beautiful setting for walks and yoga and chats. Thank you Sam and Sandy!” GP 2019

“The retreat was a great opportunity to step away from the front-line … and have the space to think. ….the first evening was a fabulous introduction through music and good food.  The 2-3 days were a mixture of group time, telling stories about life and challenge, and down time either walking, art, yoga or being alone or with others chatting or watching a film.  Sandy and Sam are very relaxed …… they each brought a fantastic library of books to skim through.  Overall, I felt welcome and supported.   A really valuable few days”  ED Consultant 

“I must admit I wasn’t too sure before hand when it said ‘Singing’ but the games were great fun and they were both so enthusiastic I had a great time.”  GP

“I found the retreat to be a worthwhile and restorative few days, led by amazing and insightful women. Even at this early stage of my career it was useful to learn techniques and to explore what is important to me. I’m so grateful to Sandy and Sam for organising it, and would recommend it to any doctor regardless of speciality or grade”.  Paediatrics, ST1 

“There was great value in it being all Doctors, we had shared understanding and I didn’t need to self censor at all.”  GP

“I’ve never been on a retreat before, but the idea of a few days away from work and home, to think about life as a doctor and explore possible future directions, appealed to me. The location was peaceful, with many opportunities to take part in expertly facilitated discussions and practical exercises, but also less structured time for art, reading, walking and eating cake. The food was amazing. We all felt looked after, but most importantly, perhaps, the retreat taught me to look after myself and gave me the space to make some important decisions”.   Consultant Psychiatrist

“This was for me the best retreat ever….. enjoyed restful silence and raucous laughter” Consultant microbiologist

“I really valued that there were different people of different specialities, it’s been great to have variety”

“I enjoyed the opportunity to do some art”

“We really appreciated all the small touches to make us feel welcome”

“It was important there was permission to dip in and out of activities, having the choice made it easy”

“The walks were great, there was time to talk to everyone”

“I was disappointed we didn’t do the drumming every day….. it was fab and worked really well”