NHS and care workers offered bursary to go on retreat

Exhausted healthcare staff are being funded to go on retreat as respite from their work during the pandemic.

From receptionists to consultants, all NHS and care workers can have half the cost of a retreat paid, thanks to a bursary scheme which has just been extended to next summer.

Llangasty Retreat House, which is supported by both the dioceses of Llandaff and Swansea and Brecon, is one of the retreat centres offering the scheme from the Association for Promoting Retreats (APR). Set in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, Llangasty offers spectacular views and peace and tranquility for anyone looking to focus on their personal wellbeing.

The bursary scheme was set up as a way of saying “thank-you” to those on the frontline of health and social care across the UK. So far more than 150 people have benefitted, including doctors, nurses, chaplains, paramedics, mental health coordinators, psychologists and project managers.

The bursaries cover half the cost of a retreat, up to a maximum of £150, until June 2022. There are no financial eligibility criteria. People can join as individuals or as groups.

Sheila Cotterill, Llangasty Retreat House manager, says, “This is one of the more creative responses to the pandemic I’ve seen and it seems particularly topical at the moment as we hear dread warnings of the pressures which will be placed on the NHS over the winter.

“It’s important that these key workers also look after themselves and take time out to focus on their own wellbeing. We hope this bursary goes some way to allowing them to step back, to reflect on the past 18 months and to recharge themselves for the days ahead.”

“Please let people know about this scheme and do consider donating direct to APR for this purpose.”

Information, application forms and all T&C's can be found on the APR website, www.promotingretreats.org/nhs-bursaries or contact Sheila at Llangasty Retreat House:

• enquiries@llangasty.com
• 01874 659250
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