In 2023 I offered a series of retreats for neurodivergent women and people at my former home in Kent. You’ll find the details of what happened below.
I hope to run retreats for neurodivergent people again in future, though have no specific dates at the moment. If you are a neurodivergent writer you may be interested in the online month of support for neurodivergent writers that I am hosting for Moniack Mhor. I am also able to offer one-to-one mentoring for neurodivergent creatives.
“Join me for an escape from the outside world – a neurodivergent ‘good life’ designed for recovery, creativity, connection, rest and care - with optional goats. The Earthed retreats will offer a safe and beautiful neurodivergent space where we can be, do and think exactly as we need to; without judgement and with each other’s support.”
Three-day residential retreats
Spend three days and two nights at my peaceful home in rural Kent: a two-acre smallholding and the setting for my memoir Earthed. This will be your space to be cared for, to rest and to restore yourself – whatever that means for you.
There won’t be a formal program and no obligation to perform, join in or do anything that makes you uncomfortable or stressed. But there will be plenty of support and understanding to help you put down your usual tasks and burdens and find a way flow through time in your own way.
I’ll shape our retreat around our small groups’ interests and needs, and after we’ve each set some gentle intentions, I’ll offer opportunities for everything from sleep, snacks, hot baths and fireside chats to sowing seeds, spending time with the goats and ponies and getting to know the plot.
There will discussion, support, chat and connection with others; time for walks, nature spotting, reading and thinking – with others or on your own. Some of us might write, create, craft, get our hands dirty in the veg patch or do some yoga in the sun.
It will be fine to join in or to enjoy your own company. It will be fine to need to move a lot or to be still. It will be fine to read at the table, make noise or be silent, drink wine or be sober, eat only your safe foods or watch your favourite TV show in your room. You can go to bed at 8pm or stay up till 1am. There is no right way to rest or retreat here on the smallholding.
June 9th - 11th, 2023
July 7th -9th, 2023
Rebecca’s smallholding: the setting for her memoir Earthed and our retreats
Mini retreats
Spend one, two or three days being cared for on here the plot at the glorious height of midsummer. We’ll retreat from the constraints and dissonance of every day existence and explore different aspects of our lives and minds as neurodivergent women and people.
These mini retreat days will take place in small groups of no more than eight. Each day has its own focus and you can choose to attend one or join me for all three. There is no overnight accommodation on the plot for the mini retreats, but there are places to stay locally should you want make the most of your retreat time.
Day One: Gather
A day to connect, be cared for and offer mutual support. We’ll be gathering as a group as well as gathering any pieces of ourselves that may have been scattered over the past months. During the day we’ll discuss our experiences and hopes as neurodivergent women while collecting eggs, walking the land and routes from Earthed, visiting the ancient oaks, and being soothed, amused and occupied with the care of our motley crew of animals.
Day Two: Ground
A day to dig in. We’ll spend much of the day outside in the garden and veg patch – talking, working the earth, thinking, learning from each other as we sow seeds, pick flowers and harvest produce (slugs willing!) for lunch. You can sit in a deck chair and read or grab a spade and dig - whatever feels right. No gardening experience required.
Day Three: Grow
A day to create. Whether you are already a writer, an artist, a maker or want to make space to listen to your creative side, on the third day we’ll explore the barriers, fears, hopes and opportunities that living in a creative neurodivergent brain presents. We’ll set individual intentions for our creative projects and work out what each of us needs to help these become a reality. There will be time to be think, read, research, write or make at one of the many work spaces and comfy chairs dotted around the house and gardens; prompts and ideas if you need them and the chance to find an accountability buddy within the group to help you take some of the retreat with you when you return home.
Please read our booking terms and conditions before making your booking. And don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions before you book.
Dates and details coming soon.
Retreat FAQs
Where are they held?
Just outside the village of Woodchurch, Kent, TN26. It’s an easy 35 minute train journey from London St Pancras to Ashford International and a 15 minute taxi ride from there. Parking is available if you want to drive.
Do I need an official diagnosis to attend?
No! Self-diagnosis is valid.
Do I need to be a writer to attend?
No, these retreats are not just for writers, t hough writers are very welcome.
Can I stay overnight at the mini retreats?
We only provide accommodation on the plot for the residential, 3 day retreats. But if you want to stay locally when you attend the mini retreats, we can advise on local places to stay.
Is food provided and will you cater for my dietary needs?
The residential retreats are full board and we will provide lunch for the mini retreats. Let us know your dietary requirements and we are happy to cater to your needs.
What are your booking terms and cancellation policy?
You’ll find all information about our terms and conditions here.
copyright Penelope Fewster
In addition to retreats I also offer one-to-one writing sessions, individual retreats and mini retreats here on the plot as well as monthly writing mentoring via Zoom. Though I work with many different writers my set up is neurodivergent friendly and I’m happy to accommodate your needs wherever possible.