The 2022 Queer Leadership Retreat:
A three-day retreat during Pride season designed to give LGBTQ+ change-makers a chance to reflect, reconnect and reset. We're offering an exciting schedule of wellbeing workshops, self-empowerment sessions and panel discussions, all delivered by our We Create Space Collective.
Well-being and mental health have to become a priority on the journey of any Queer Leader if we want to make long-lasting impact and change within our organisations and communities.
Our bespoke programme will offer wellbeing sessions, workshops for reflection and facilitated important conversations. This Retreat is designed to not only help you embed vital self-care practices but also reconnect with yourself and others.
Join this Retreat if you'd like to...
• Become more informed and intuitive with the decisions you make as a change-maker.
• Cultivate more confidence with knowing, connecting with and sharing your own story.
• Discover new self-care tools for managing your own mental health and wellbeing.
• Hear new perspectives and feel empowered to lead, help and support others.
• Refresh and recalibrate your core values.
• Understand better your actions, thoughts and beliefs as an ally of the entire LGBTQ+ community.
• Discuss, learn and get curious in a safe space.
DATE : Mon 4th - Wed 6th July
LOCATION : West Lexham, Norfolk, UK
WHO'S ATTENDING? : LGBTQ+ leaders
COST : £400-£1000
GETTING THERE:
West Lexham, a stunning venue nestled within the beautiful Norfolk countryside, UK.
By train: Nearest station is Downham Market, with direct trains from London Kings Cross (1hr25)
By car: 2.5 hour drive from London.
THE PROGRAMME:
See full programme at the bottom of this page.
THE TEAM:
All sessions delivered by our We Create Space Collective.
TO BRING:
Comfortable clothing for a bit of movement.
A jacket in case we decide to take a walk outside.
Swimwear.
Trainers / outdoor shoes.
Journal / notepad / pen.
Yoga mats will be made available if needed.
LOGISTICS INFO:
To find out more about logistics for the event, please refer to our Logistics booklet.
PHONE & INTERNET:
There is signal and wifi in the main areas of the venue, however, please try to disconnect (create space!) as much as possible.
FOOD AND DRINK:
All food and refreshments are included. Please inform us of any dietary requirements or restrictions ahead of time and we will try our best to accommodate you. Also if you have any allergies, please let us know in advance.
SECURITY:
We'd advise not bringing any valuables that you don't want to leave unattended in the main function room.
ACCESS REQUIREMENTS:
Please let us know if you have any specific access requirements. Send us an email if you'd like to ask a question. Email: [email protected]
We understand that not everyone is in a position to afford this event with everything going on right now. We're offering a number of free spaces to Queer Leaders and Activists who work for a charity / LGBTQ+ non-profit. Please apply via: [email protected]
Please read our Access Statement for more information on accessibility. We are doing our best to make the retreat as accessible as possible. If you have any questions about accessibility or suggestions you would like to make, please feel free to email us at [email protected]
If you are part of a larger organisation, business or LGBTQ+ network you may be able to secure internal funding to attend these events. We’ve created a separate business case pack for you to use.
Special thanks goes to Pride at JTI who are kindly sponsoring these events. Their contribution will allow for more Queer Leaders from the charity and non-profit sector to attend.
This self-funding community option only includes access for one person to the Queer Leadership Retreat from Monday 4th - Wednesday 6th July 2022.
It includes Shared Accommodation.
This corporate sponsorship option only includes access for one person to the Queer Leadership Retreat from Monday 4th - Wednesday 6th July 2022.
It includes Private En-Suite Accommodation.
It also includes the sponsorship of one free place for a Queer Leader who works for a charity or non-profit. If you wish your company logo will be included in certain marketing materials.
Monday 4th July
Morning: travel to Downham Market
12:30pm - Group bus pick-up from Downham Market Station
1pm - Welcome / Lunch
2pm - Opening Session
with Maylis Djikalou and Michael Stephens
3pm - Room check-in and orientation
5pm - Workshop - Queer Resilience: Grit with Grace
with Dr Paul Taylor-Pitt and Tolu Osinubi
7pm - Relax - Community Connection
8pm - Dinner
Tuesday 5th July
7am - Early Riser Meditation
with Nick Kientsch
8am - Morning Movement Practice
with Kanndiss Riley
9am - Breakfast
11am - Workshop - Navigating Queer Identity, Leadership, and Imposter Syndrome
with Manuel Schlothauer and Yassine Senghor
1pm - Lunch
3pm - Workshop and Panel - Leading For (and through) Connection
with Zachary Ames
5pm - Breathwork
with Char Bailey
or
Mindful Eating Workshop.
with Dr Sunni Patel
7pm - Dinner
9pm - Music and Meditation
Wednesday 6th July
7.30am - Morning Movement Practice
with Kanndiss Riley
or
7.30am - Meditation
with Nick Kientsch
8.30am - Breakfast
09.30am - Check-out of rooms
10.30am - Closing Session - What's Next?
with various WCS team members
12.00pm - Depart from the venue to Downham Market station