Courses, retreats and bookings
Upcoming courses/events
The Centre is used by outside organisations as well as for courses run by Sandy and Derek. Of the latter, there are 3-4 courses per year for health professionals and an anuual course for students (see below).
A recent participant wrote:
'Derek and Sandy created a wonderfully relaxed, nourishing and supportive space where we could take some time out of our busy schedules to be in beautiful surroundings, eat delicious food and reflect on who we are as individuals and what our needs are outside of our work, family and social lives. As a group I feel we took positive steps towards making a commitment to our own happiness, health and wellbeing so that we can continue to be there for our patients and loved ones without losing ourselves. This can so easily happen in a medical career where the focus is on being a contribution to our patients and workplace. We get easily get lost and burnt out in the process.' Deniah, Sept 2023
In addition to the regular courses we run, we have facilitated groups with a particular interest such as a weekend for displaced British medical students studying in Ukraine and a ‘Doctors and the Environment ‘ group.
Independent groups hiring the Centre have included a yoga group, an art group and several Men’s groups.
Booking
We are now taking bookings for courses in 2024 and 2025
For qualified health professionals ‘From surviving to thriving in the NHS’
2024
Friday October 18th to Sunday October 20th - closed
2025
Friday January 17th to Sunday January 19th
Friday April 25th to Sunday April 27th
If you wish to be kept informed of these or future courses, or are interested in hiring the Centre, please e mail info@ratfordretreats.co.uk No third parties will be involved and there will be only occasional updates of these and future retreats.
From surviving to thriving in the NHS - for qualified health professionals
The NHS is a tough environment - and health professionals are often finding it difficult to survive let alone thrive. Many have left, others struggle with the lack of support, a few thrive. The covid crisis has magnified these issues. This weekend course provides an environment for relaxation, for revitalising and for exploring with colleagues how you can move forward and build on your personal and professional life. Come and feel nourished not only with great food but also by the stunning environment and a safe space for talking and sharing. The weekend is run by Derek and Sandy, one a generalist with experience in stress management and mindfulness, the other a specialist; both have a wealth of experience in the NHS including senior management and education positions in addition to a lifelong commitment to high quality care.
The weekend consists of group discussion (on agendas determined by participants) alongside mindfulness skills training, exercise and stretching, yoga and time for reflection and relaxation. The course is designed for consultants, GPs and doctors in training. It is run in buildings adjacent to Sandy and Derek’s home and meals are taken within the main house. Accommodation is comfortable not luxurious. The nine acres of grounds are private and very beautiful. There is a commitment to a minimal impact on the environment (the oil boiler has gone replaced by a river sourced heat pump for all heating and we provide as much of our own home grown food as possible). It provides an excellent environment for such a weekend. Reflecting the ethos of the Centre, the cost of the weekend is low as we run on a not for profit basis.
The retreat starts on the Friday late afternoon and runs until Sunday 4pm. £150. For more details/to apply for a place, contact derek1chase@outlook.com for a booking form. Minimum numbers six, maximum twelve.
Previous participants commented:
“I went on a Drs retreat in Wiltshire run by a former GP and his neonatologist wife and spent a good deal of time focussing on me and who I was and how I want to live my life - a concept that felt a bit selfish and odd to start with as I think we have a tendency to be all about the other people (patients and children). It was emotional, enlightening and I met some amazing people. I’d highly recommend it to everyone, in fact, maybe it should be compulsory for doctors - far better than all that mandatory training bollocks. I’ve also enjoyed some fantastic conversations with friends and acquaintances about the weekend since and trying hard to keep those little changes going. Just waiting for my husband to get back this weekend to tackle some of the others!” Sarah January 2020
‘Thanks again for a fantastic weekend - it was above and beyond my expectations.’ Anjali January 2020
I would like to thank Derek and Sandy for an inspiring, relaxing and thought provoking weekend. The setting is beautiful, the food delicious and the teaching/facilitation both gentle and challenging (in a good way!) I really appreciated the time spent outside connecting with nature and the insights this bought. I also found it useful to have the time and space to reflect on my personality and situation and how best to address any conflicts and difficult areas. I gained a lot from working within a group and the experience that bought. I have already made changes both in my work and my personal life and intend to continue this work. Ruth January 2020
Mindfulness and Resilience - for student health professionals
‘This was a nourishing weekend that left me rested, well-fed, inspired and feeling more hopeful than ever about coping with the demand of NHS work. Thank you to all involved.’
Ella November 2019
Looking for a place and time to relax, revitalise and be with like minded professionals where you can explore and develop in a confidential and safe setting? Then this may be the weekend for you. Explore with others what you need to do and be to make the most of your potential – both professionally and personally – to become who you would love to be. Can you remember why you chose to train to become a health professional? Does it feel like those hopes and aspirations are going to be realised?
Highly rated by participants for its caring and nourishing environment (including wonderful food!) and with experienced professionals leading the weekend you will have the opportunity to build on the present towards a more fulfilled future.
These courses are run by Sandy and Derek, both retired health professionals, one a neonatologist and the other a GP. Both have extensive experience in not just clinical work but of the management of the NHS, education and research. Derek has taught students for many years and has extensive experience in mindfulness training.
As one final year medical student said 'Having the thinking space and time to really explore important issues and, crucially, I think, having the support and guidance of such experienced doctors as Derek and Sandy meant that you would leave on the Sunday, well fed and rested and feeling confident, calm and excited about the road ahead.' (see testimonials).
The retreat starts on the Friday late afternoon and runs until Sunday 4pm. It consists of great food, some mindfulness exercises, stretching/yoga, outdoor physical exercise, and group discussion.
The course is run in building adjacent to Sandy and Derek’s home and meals are taken within the main house. Accommodation is comfortable not luxurious. The nine acres of grounds are private and very beautiful. There is a commitment to a minimal impact on the environment (the oil boiler has gone replaced by a river sourced heat pump for all heating and we provide as much of our own home grown food as possible). It provides an excellent environment for such a weekend. Reflecting the ethos of the Centre, the cost of the weekend is low as we run on a not for profit basis. Students £40, qualified professionals (only recently qualified will be considered) £80. For more details/to apply for a place, contact derek1chase@outlook.com Minimum numbers six, maximum twelve.