Seven young adult carers joined staff members Tanya and Hana for a wellbeing retreat in a hidden valley in Wales for the last weekend in September.  They were blessed with a weekend of sunshine to enjoy time outdoors and stay in the beautiful Mongolian yurts.

The weekend was a chance to gain respite from their different responsibilities at home and have a real chance for reflection, relaxation, fun and focus on themselves.

During the weekend they enjoyed a barbeque, campfire, bushcraft (including smelting pewter) yoga, nature walks in the beautiful valley, making their own woodfired pizzas, performances around the campfire, and of course toasting marshmallows!  There was plenty of chance for conversations, peer support, and opportunities to relax and enjoy the amazing location.

The weekend was made possible through the Carers legacy Funding from Gloucestershire Community Foundation.  We really hope we can obtain funding to do this again next year as the positive impact of the weekend was evident.

Feedback from the carers who attended include:

‘I honestly think the weekend was perfect – I loved all of it’

‘It was a relaxing fun experience’

‘I was able to focus on my personal growth’

‘It was an amazing way to make new friends’

Tanya Myatt our YAC Wellbeing worker (who we all said a fond farewell to as she is heading back to Australia next month) described the impact of the weekend.

‘This was an important weekend for all involved as feelings of wellbeing are fundamental to the overall health of an individual, enabling them to successfully overcome difficulties and achieve what they want out of life.’