An Afternoon of Escape to Support Mental Health

Julie received micro funding to run a pop-up mini mental health retreat day for her local community. 

What has funding from Leeds Community Foundation enabled you to do? 

I wanted to organise a mini retreat to help people and give them an afternoon of escape and introduce new ways of dealing with their mental health, maybe things they have never tried before. Leeds Community Foundation supported me by providing funding to enable me to run a free mini retreat. The retreat included the following: introduction to yoga, relaxation and visualisation, positive affirmations, yoga Nidra, deep relaxation, drumming circle, art therapy, complementary therapy treatments and a healthy lunch. 

Can you tell us about the impact of the retreat on the people who attended? 

Below is some of the feedback I received from the ladies who attended. 

“Wow, what a lovely way to spend an afternoon! I’ve been feeling very stressed lately and when I’m stressed I don’t always use the healthiest coping strategies. However today has really helped me to restore and rebalance, I’m inspired to carry on with the mindfulness, relaxation techniques learnt today. Having free events in the community like these are so important. People can’t always afford luxuries such as spa days and massages therefore today has been such a treat and the next best thing!” 

“Such a relaxing experience. I’ve never done yoga before and I absolutely loved it. I feel so relaxed and my mind feels blank after yoga nidra. I would love to be part of a retreat day again.” 

How are you preparing for the future? 

I’ve teamed up with a local charity, Better Action for Families, and they are supporting me to enable me to tap into other funding. My dream is to provide these mini pop-up retreats across Leeds in all deprived areas.