Our vision is to offer adults impacted by cancer a unique opportunity to strengthen their minds and bodies. Driven by research and consultation with cancer survivors, professionals in the field of oncology and clinical psychology, each element of the retreats aims to support wellbeing and resilience. Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund; NatWest Bank and our Crowdfunder Campa
ign, our retreats are free to access. We do ask participants to make a donation to support future retreats if they are able to. Set on the stunning Cornish coast where the ocean itself brings a sense of calm, participants are able to take time out for themselves, as well as connecting with others with similar experiences. Founded by Dr Helen Reynolds, Clinical Psychologist, Dannie MacLennan, Project Coordinator, and Dr Bhavna Oza, NHS Doctor working in Oncology, SeaChange Retreats bring together their passion for wellbeing, the ocean, and research-driven interventions. All of the retreats are built around four key elements – surfing, yoga, mindfulness, and specialist workshops. Together these elements aim to strengthen and promote physical wellbeing and activity; develop emotional resilience and mental health; and build connections with others who share similar experiences. We are currently in the planning phase for our 2022 retreats. Please sign up to our mailing list via the website to be the first to hear about special offers and retreat dates. We will be offering three different types of retreats in 2022
Recovering After Cancer retreats
These retreats are for adults who are recovering after cancer treatment. Whether you are feeling hesitant about returning to exercise; would like to build knowledge and skills in physical rehabilitation; want to take time out to reflect on where you are at in your journey so far; or want to focus on building emotional resilience, there is a retreat for you. All our specialist workshops are delivered by experienced professionals, in a relaxed and supportive environment, to facilitate discussion and sharing of ideas and experiences. Alongside our workshops, each retreat will offer the opportunity to gently build your physical strength through surfing and yoga, drawing on research indicating the role of exercise in maintaining overall physical health, the maintenance of remission, and as a key way of managing some of the side effects of treatment such as cancer-related fatigue. We advise waiting for approximately 6 months post-treatment before joining us, to allow time for your body to start to heal. Please see our website for further information, or get in touch via the website / email if you would like to talk through when might be a good time for you to join us. Our Family and Carers retreat
We know that caring for someone with cancer has a far reaching impact on carers lives. Supporting someone through treatment and with the after-effects of cancer is a significant task. Looking after yourself at the same time often takes a backseat. We are delighted to be partnering with Promas: Caring For People CIC to bring you a bespoke weekend specifically tailored for carers, to support you whilst you support others. Bringing together a specialist workshop, surf, yoga and wellbeing activities, we aim to help you to re-invigorate by taking time out for you, whilst building connections with others facing similar challenges. These retreats are also open to adults recovering after cancer, if they wish to attend with a family member, partner or carer who has supported them through their treatment. A parallel workshop will be run alongside the Promas workshop, focusing instead of readjusting and building wellbeing post-cancer. Living with Cancer retreat
These unique retreats are designed for people living alongside a diagnosis of incurable cancer. Bringing together surfing, wild swimming, yoga, mindfulness and bespoke workshops, they incorporate key elements of psychological and physical strength and reflection. The retreats are aimed at those living with stable disease who are otherwise relatively active and looking for some adventure. We welcome those on long-term non-immunosuppressive medications and those who may be off treatments. Our aim is to create a warm and welcoming environment with opportunities to connect with others, as well as time to reconnect with yourself.
