Out Of The Shadows

29th - 31st MAY 2026

RETREAT STYLE WORKSHOP


We extend a warm welcome to women with lived experience of ‘childlessness-not-by- choice’ who are:

  • open to exploring how childlessness has impacted you

  • open to aspects of Christian spirituality and the faith sharing of others

  • no longer going through fertility treatment and are not pregnant

  • neither an adoptive nor a step-parent

  • respecting and honouring of others’ differences, backgrounds, spirituality and life experiences

We offer:

  • a tranquil and beautiful physical setting

  • compassionate holding to encounter the sorrow and tenderness of this shared journey

  • an empowering space to envision the fruit that can flourish

  • some teaching and personal sharing from our academic work about the impact of childlessness on identity, faith, purpose and life fulfilment

  • an insight into yourselves and your experience from an IFS perspective

  • experiential encounters with your co-sojourners

  • nourishing times of eating and companionship in a grounded retreat context

  • opportunity for connection with nature and creativity

  • guided and personal reflective time (chapel is also available)

Your Retreat Facilitators

Melanie Blaymires & Luiza Neumayer have lived experience of childlessness-not-by-choice and identify with Christian spirituality as the basis of their faith.

Melanie is a Certified IFS Therapist, Psychotherapist, Supervisor and IFSI Clinical Consultant registered with professional bodies BACP and ACC. She leads teams who assist on worldwide IFSI Therapy Trainings. Melanie enjoys facilitating faith and spiritual enrichment groups in her community and has co-led creative retreats whilst living overseas.

Luiza is a BPS Chartered Counselling Psychologist and an accredited integrative psychotherapist registered with professional bodies UCKP, HCPC and BACP. She is a Certified therapist of EMDR, AEDP, ISTD, DBR, EFT approaches and works with individuals and couples. Luiza loves walking, reading, listening to music and dancing in nature.

Costs and Practicalities

  • £390 per person includes accommodation, all meals and refreshments

Early Bird £360 by 2 February 2026

  • Arrival on Friday 29 May at 3pm for tea and opening the space together at 4.30pm

  • Retreat closes at 2.30pm after lunch on Sunday 31 May 2026

To register interest & request our booking form