Parents of Disabled Children Retreat - Rest, Respite, Supportive Connection

We all know that being a parent of a disabled child can stretch us to our limits sometimes. We also know that so much of our energy is dedicated to some form of caregiving that over time it can become very hard to 'switch off' that part of ourselves.

Wise time out in an environment away from home can be really helpful. So how do you find or spend that time?

This is where the Parents of Disabled Children Retreat can be extremely useful, because it is a period of total removal from everyday responsibilities, in an environment that cares about and understands, recognises and normalises the experience of parenting a disabled child (of any age!) Importantly, this is a retreat from decision - making and being 'on' all the time. It is a retreat from all your roles, and an opportunity to attend only to your own needs - as and when they occur.

THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS THREE-DAY RETREAT
Our aim is to create space for you to rest... sleep... have early nights...time for walks in beautiful lakeside nature... read a book... sit by the fire... eat long leisurely meals... have time to really talk and connect with other parents... and have time to just be by yourself. Essentially it is rest and respite for the caregivers.

TH RETREAT FACILITATOR
Liz Weatherly is a Self-Compassion Coach, Mindfulness Meditation Instructor and Clinical Reflexologist. Liz's work has developed over the years to focus on effective methods for calming the nervous system because of all the positive benefits of doing so - especially for those whose daily lives involve chronic stress. The Retreats that she runs for various groups also have this focus, so as to be of real benefit to their participants. You can find out more about Liz at http://reflectionzone.co.nz

THE VENUE
The Parent's retreat is at Red Barn, Lake Okareka, a purpose- built venue with accommodation for 16. It is very well heated, with a range of comfortable accommodation in 4 - bed bunk rooms and rooms with one queen size bed in them. Set well back from a quiet road, amidst sweeping lawns and mature trees, the lodge is surrounded by the owner's working deer farm, hillsides of native bush and is a very short walk from the shores of pristine and tranquil Lake Okareka - a jewel amongst the Rotorua lakes.Despite it's peaceful, rural location, The Red Barn is extremely conveniently located, being only ten minutes' drive from central Rotorua, and only fifteen minutes from Rotorua Airport and Intercity Bus Station. Rotorua is serviced by regular flights from all main New Zealand cities; therefore, it is very accessible to those coming from the South Island. There is plenty of onsite parking for those arriving by car.

WHO IS THE PARENT'S RETREAT FOR?
It is for any parent of a disabled child who is experiencing struggle with 'switching off', who is feeling isolated in their experiences, or who would love the opportunity to have face to face connection with like-minded people where they can just be real and be themselves. It is also for any parent of a disabled child whose heart leaps at the thought of three days of down time filling their cup in a beautiful and peaceful location! The maximum group size is 16.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE RETREAT?
This retreat is unique in that there is NO programme! Many Retreats have jam - packed programmes of education and activities, but because this Retreat's focus is on rest and respite, nurturing connection, stillness, time in nature and all the good things that allow our bodies, minds and hearts to relax and refuel, scheduled activities have been deliberately kept to a minimum. There is a guided Mindfulness Meditation on offer each day, but attendance is completely optional.The only thing we ask is that each participant takes rostered turns with meal preparation and clean-up and participates in a daily sharing circle (because we know from experience that these two things are possibly the most valuable way to create a sense of cameraderie, dissipate the feelings of being alone in our experiences, and forge wonderfully supportive connections with those who are walking the same path).By keeping the programme to a minimum, and having participants do the meal preparation, this is also an extremely effective way to keep costs to a minimum, therefore making the Retreat financially accessible to many more people.

HOW MUCH DOES THE RETREAT COST?
1. The Retreat itself costs $375 per person. This includes three nights' accommodation, all linen, and airport or bus station transfers if needed.

2. Food Costs are expected to be no more than $100 per person. Retreat meals (3 dinners, 2 lunches, 3 breakfasts) are provided and prepared by the participants, based on a menu and list of ingredients supplied by the facilitator. This list is sent to participants prior to the retreat, for them to select a small number of make-at-home or bought items to bring with them.*Meals are simple, nutritious and plentiful. Gluten, dairy free and vegan/ vegetarian diets are included).

3. Travel is at your own expense.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS FOR THOSE WHO FEEL LIKE MORE NURTURING OR SOME ADVENTURE
- Individual, one-hour deep relaxation Reflexology treatments with Liz - $90 (must be booked prior to the Retreat as limited sessions are available)
- Trip to the Waikete Valley Hot Pools $25 plus a small contribution towards petrol
- Skyline Gondola and Luges - basic packages begin at $57

HOW DO I BOOK?

Purchase your tickets from this page. When you book you will pay a 50% deposit ( $187.50 plus fees if booked through Eventbrite or other ticketing agent). The balance of the Retreat cost will be due 6 weeks before the event. Payment plans are available - please ask.

REFUND POLICIES
Cancellation more than 6 weeks prior to the event - full refund.
Cancellation between 4 and 6 weeks prior to the event - 80% refund
Cancellation less than 4 weeks prior to the event - no refund (unless your place can be filled by someone else, in which case we will provide an 80% refund

Please Note: Should the minimum requirement of 6 attendees not be reached, your ticket will be refunded in full by the organiser. Please be aware we are not able to refund travel costs.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Yes, you may be able to claim some or all of the costs of the Retreat against Caregiver funding, depending on the criteria of your funder. Feel free to ask Liz for a template for an application letter.

Yes, this Retreat is open to both individual parents and couples (bedrooms will not be co-ed)

No, smoking/vaping/alcohol/recreational drugs are not allowed at this Retreat.

Yes, there is WiFi and cell reception at the retreat, but we do encourage you to keep your use of your devices to a minimum.Yes, the venue is accessible (including the bathrooms)

Yes, we can facilitate carpooling if other participants are coming from your area. Just let us know if you want to ride-share.

No, you don't have to be a gourmet cook! The meals are extremely easy to make, and come with full instructions. We can send you recipes are available for the make - at- home meals if wanted.

Yes, it's very common to feel nervous about sleeping in bunk rooms, being away from our home and loved ones and spending time with new people. We do our very best to help you feel comfortable and included, and simply ask that you do your best to give it a go and see what happens!

Yes, some people do snore, so we suggest you bring ear plugs

No, not everyone will have to sleep in a bunk bed or in a shared room. Beds are, however, allocated on the basis of genuine need.

Yes, there are laundry facilities at the Lodge.

Yes, there are several good supermarkets within ten minutes' drive of the Lodge.

Yes, Rotorua is a GREAT place for families to visit. If your family want to spend a weekend in Rotorua too, please speak to us about options for you to attend the Retreat while they enjoy all the other things that Rotorua has to offer.

If you have any questions that we haven't answered, please do ask!

TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST PARTICIPANTS

"The weekend had a perfect balance between structure and freedom for me. I felt no pressure to engage with everything (often how I feel in groups). The fabulous food, company and sharing nourished me on many levels. I felt the wonderful nurturing holding of the weekend by Liz and I felt so peaceful and relaxed by the end. I really wanted it to carry on for longer!" Julia

"Thank you so much for the wonderful weekend. I wasn't sure what to expect as I have not been to a retreat before. The balance between resting and relaxed 'doing' was fantasti and the facilitation of the sharing circles was first class, led beautifully to reflect on what's happening on our lives and inside us. The sharing was exquisite." Belinda

"I so enjoyed the freedom within the structure of the weekend and the leisurely pace that allowed me to unwind. It was great to be able to take advantage of the sunny days and walk by the lake and in the bush. The sharing circles were really well facilitated and there was a true cohesive feeling about the coming together and sharing of selves. The Red Barn is set in such a lovely spot and is the perfect venue and location to connect with nature. Coming to the warm and very comfortable lodge was wonderful in the middle of winter." Tessa

"What a fantastic weekend away. I loved the way the Retreat was organised so that we might enjoy free time and relaxation within a structure that honoured each person's need for rest. The retreat centre and surrounding countryside was outstanding. I was super impressed by this carefully considered and well - planned retreat that helped me learn how to be self - nurturing.If it is rest that you are looking for, freedom to lie in and timely gatherings with like - minded people, this is a very special opportunity that is perfect for newbies or seasoned retreat people. Many thanks to Liz." Fiona

"I cannot say what an amazing weekend it was for me. I felt nurtured, safe and loved. The good vibe atmosphere brough back a feeling of wholeness for me at a time that I was feeling empty and hopeless. The way the retreat was run was exceptional. With Liz's calm and gentle way she encouraged a feeling of total relaxation. The other participants on the retreat were fantastic too. The lodge itself was perfect with every convenience you could have wanted - a perfect location for a good vibe feeling. I couldn't think of a better venue. Thank you Liz for putting this together in such a careful and thoughtful way." Gaylene

"When I read that the retreat included a sharing circle, I said 'No way!'. But on arrival Liz was there and her calm, warm, friendly manner instantly made me feel so relaxed. And when it came time for the sharing circle, unusually for me I didn't hesitate to put my hand up. There were so many wonderful conversations around the dinner table and I have come away with having met some incredibly brave people, who also helped me to have the confidence to speak my truth. Over the weekend I learned some really big things about myself that I am so grateful for." Val