(Page updated 27 February 2024)
Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control (my husband’s health problems), the programme of Living with Loss events after May 2024 has been suspended. There is only one more retreat on the programme for this year: It’s at Rydal Hall in May. Page down for further information.
If you’re looking for a safe space to explore your grief in the company of others who are also grieving, then you may find it helpful to come to one of our Living with Loss Retreats. Most retreats are small with around 6 – 14 participants.
These are gentle events for people who are struggling with grief following bereavement. Each retreat includes a variety of activities, with led sessions, moderated discussions, craft activities and free time for personal reflection, reading or going for a walk. There is a simple service of remembrance that is a highlight for many of the participants.
During our time together, we explore some of the emotional and practical challenges of grief, and then look at ways of making the best of life as it is now. The retreat is an opportunity for companionship among others who are also grieving. The goal is to walk away with a bit more hope that “yes, I can do it” as you continue on with your life’s journey.
The retreats are suitable for adults age 21 and over. You are welcome whatever your relationship – whether the one(s) who died was your spouse or partner, your child of any age, your parent, sibling, close friend, or if you have suffered multiple losses. Those who have lost loved ones during the pandemic – either through Covid-19 or from other causes – are most welcome.
Those attending will have lost loved ones in different circumstances. Some deaths might have followed a long illness or it could have been a sudden event, such as an unforeseen health emergency, an accident or suicide.
All of our retreats have some gentle Christian spiritual content, including short reflections. Those of all faiths and none are welcome, provided you are comfortable with this type of content.
Retreats are residential and full board, including your room, breakfast, lunch and evening meal, endless tea and coffee, plus retreat materials to take away with you.
Weekend retreats have a more full schedule; week retreats are more relaxed with more opportunity for conversations and “one to one” support. Booking is through the retreat centre (unless otherwise noted). The price is fixed by each retreat centre. Workshops are a series of sessions, not residential.
Retreats are led by Abi May and team, unless stated otherwise.
Keep reading below or follow the links to find out more details. You are welcome to contact me with any questions. Please note that due to personal circumstances, we are only running a few retreats this year.
I do recommend you read this short page of information before making a decision about attending a retreat: https://livingwithlossbereavementsupportevents.wordpress.com/faqs/
If you need financial help in order to attend a retreat, please ask. We cannot promise to be able to help but we do have a small bursary fund.
FURTHER INFORMATION
- Quick overview calendar
- Retreat FAQs
- Read about what happens at a Living with Loss retreat
- Reviews from those who have taken part in Living with Loss retreats
- Artist and author Jola describes her experience at a Living with Loss retreat [new]
The Living with Loss project is a member of the National Bereavement Alliance. We’ve been running Living with Loss retreats since 2016. Our retreats were featured on BBC Songs of Praise in January 2023 – view the programme on iPlayer
“A Living with Loss retreat is a safe place to talk about your grief and your loss, where everyone is accepted and welcomed and allowed to be themselves. … These retreats offer gentle support to encourage you to keep on living.” –
Retreat participant
Programme for 2024
Living with Loss retreats – Part 1 (for those who have not yet been to a Living with Loss retreat)
- 20-24 May 2024: “Living with Loss” week retreat at Rydal Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria Lake District
11-15 November 2024: “Living with Loss” week retreat (Monday-Friday) at Lee Abbey, Devon (in the Beacon Centre)
Follow on events
- 22 – 26 April 2024: Living with Loss ‘Gathering’ retreat at Quinta Hall, Shropshire. This will include elements of what we usually cover in ‘Living with Loss Part 2’ (last minutes places available)
October 2024: Possible Part 2 retreat – please visit here for information19 – 23 May 2025: Living with Loss ‘Gathering’ retreat at Quinta Hall, Shropshire. (TBC)
Please scroll down for details
20 – 24 May 2024 – Living with Loss week retreat at Rydal Hall, Ambleside, Lake District (2 places remaining)
- Monday 20 May – Friday 24 May (finishing after lunch)
- Living with Loss Part 1 retreat at Rydal Hall in the Lake District
- Price: £500
- Booking is direct with Rydal Hall Living with Loss Retreat (rydalhall.org)
- Contact Rydal Hall: 01539432050
We are happy to announce this new venue for Living with Loss retreats – our first time in the beautiful Lake District.
This is a supportive retreat of activities, led sessions, discussions and quiet reflection. This “Living with Loss Part 1” retreat is for anyone struggling to cope with grief following bereavement from any cause. This retreat is suitable for those who have been bereaved of husbands or wives, partners, children, close family members or friends, or multiple people. It is open to anybody 21 or over. Led by Abi May and team
Rydal Hall is set in a 30 acre estate at the very heart of the Lake District. The timing of the retreat should be perfect for the glorious spring flowers for which this area is so famed. Our retreat and your accommodation will be in the Hall, with our own designated meeting room. The programme starts with arrival after 4 pm on Monday and finishes after lunch on Friday. As usual, this is a full board retreat with all meals, snacks and retreat materials provided.
Rydal Hall estate has formal gardens, woodlands, a sculpture trail and iconic landmarks. There will be time in the programme to relax, explore the grounds, enjoy the flowers, or go for walks if you wish. Rydal Water is just a few minutes walk away. It’s easy to hop on a bus to Ambleside or Grasmere. View here and watch video here
The LWL programme at Rydal Hall will include some free afternoons for you to explore and make the most of your time in these beautiful Lake District surroundings. (Alternative activities will be offered to those who would prefer not to do this.)
(Although the retreat ends on Friday after lunch, there may be an option to extend your stay on a private basis. Please ask Rydal Hall about this.)
Contact Rydal Hall: 01539432050 Website
(If you plan to arrive by train, travel to Windermere, from where you can catch a bus or taxi to the venue.)
Here you can download the draft programme. Please note that it is not finalised, but at least it will give you an idea of what to expect at this retreat.
22 – 26 April 2024 ‘Tearoom Gathering’ (follow on event) at Quinta Hall, Shropshire (last minute spaces available)
Monday 22 April – Friday 26 April 2024 –
- Follow on retreat at Quinta Hall, in Shropshire, near Chirk in North Wales (SY10 7LR)
- Price: £360 (£30 discount if booked before 1st June) + optional ensuite £28 (one available)
- For more information and booking details, please visit here
This event is a follow on, and only for those who have already been to a Living with Loss retreat. The theme is ‘Thresholds.’ This will be an activity-based event with a focus on social interactions, with opportunities for walks, perhaps a one-day mini-pilgrimage, crafts and more. There are a maximum of 35 places, with limited availability of accessible and ensuite rooms. (Due to some late cancellations, there are now some spaces. If you’d like to attend, please get in touch)
11 – 15 November 2024 – “Living with Loss Part 1” week retreat at Lee Abbey, Devon – CANCELLED
- 4 nights/5 day retreat at Lee Abbey in Devon
- Arrival 4 pm Monday 11th November
- Departure after breakfast Friday 15 November
- Price: £300
- Book directly with Lee Abbey: Details and booking here (Booking is probably not live yet)
- A supportive week retreat of activities, led sessions, discussions and quiet reflection. This “Living with Loss Part 1” retreat is for anyone struggling to cope with grief following bereavement from any cause. This retreat is suitable for those who have been bereaved of husbands or wives, partners, children, close family members or friends, or multiple people. It is open to anybody 21 or over. Please note that the retreat will be held in the Beacon Centre at Lee Abbey, not in the main house. Up to 14 participants. Led by Abi May and team.
Contact Lee Abbey by email relax@leeabbey.org.uk or phone 01598 752621
There may be additional one day events in 2024 – details to be confirmed later
“Living with Loss” weekend retreat at Launde Abbey, Leicestershire (2025 dates to be announced later)
- 23-25 February 2024
- Weekend retreat: Friday 4 pm to Sunday 4 pm
- Cost – £340
- Booking: Direct with Launde Abbey by calling 01572 717254
- View & book this retreat on the Launde Abbey website
- Maximum of 14 places (there may be 2 spaces left – contact Launde Abbey for information)
A supportive weekend retreat of activities, led sessions, discussions and quiet reflection. This “Living with Loss Part 1” retreat is for anyone struggling to cope with grief following bereavement from any cause. This retreat is suitable for those who have been bereaved of husbands or wives, partners, children, close family members or friends, or multiple people. It is open to anybody 21 or over. This retreat is led by Abi May, supported by Esther Birtwistle. There will be a maximum of 14 participants. Booking is now open.
Please do bear in mind that this is a weekend retreat with a full programme. If you’re looking for a more relaxed retreat, try Rydal Hall where it will be Monday-Friday.
Launde Abbey is an atmospheric house set in beautiful parkland of 450 acres on the borders of Leicestershire and Rutland. The property includes extensive cultivated gardens and a wonderful twelfth century Chapel (part of the original Augustinian priory). We usually hold most of our retreat sessions in the Oak Room and have a service of prayer and hope in the Chapel. The retreat will begin with a brief introduction before the evening meal on Friday, and finish after afternoon coffee on Sunday afternoon.
Details from a previous retreat here
You can book now by contacting Launde Abbey directly: info@launde.org.uk or 01572 717254
View and download the draft programme here (dates are from the previous retreat but the programme remains unchanged)
MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE CONTENT OF THE RETREATS
Grief following bereavement can feel overwhelming, particularly if you have lost a partner or child, or if your loved one’s passing was sudden or traumatic, or if you have suffered multiple losses. The aim of our retreats is to help you feel better equipped to deal with your life-changing loss. We explore some of the spiritual, emotional and practical challenges of grief, and then look at ways to cope with life as it is now. There is some gentle Christian content, but this is about life in the present rather than the life beyond.
The topics we cover (depending on the duration of the retreat and the needs of the participants) include:
- Understanding grief, the physical, practical and emotional impact of loss, and a Christian perspective on grief.
- Living with loss, models of recovery, complicated grief, crises of faith, dealing with our emotions.
- Honouring the memories of our loved ones, reflective activities, digital legacy.
- Survival strategies for our life today, being kind to ourselves, getting through difficult times.
There are 2-3 led sessions every day. Sessions include a range of activities including discussions and personal reflection. There are other relaxed sessions with craft and music, plus a candlelighting remembrance service.
Besides the led sessions, there is time for personal reflection, handouts to work on individually, as well as the opportunity for participants to have a chat and/or prayer with retreat leaders if you wish. A selection of relevant books are made available to read during the retreat.
COMMENTS FROM PREVIOUS PARTICIPANTS
It wasn’t what I thought it would be – it was BETTER.
The sessions were very helpful and gave me hope.
“I thought Abi led the sessions with sensitivity and compassion. It was obvious she had ‘been there’. I liked how she shared her story.
The sessions were well researched, delivered and well paced.
This was a first class retreat which I found extremely helpful. I will definitely do part 2.
A Valley Journal 
Pingback: An opportunity to spend time in the beautiful Lake District | A Valley Journal