All about the Survivors Retreat
Posted by Jenni James on 7 July 2026
We’ve just got back from this year’s Survivors Retreat. What a weekend it was!
This year 30 women signed up to join us – some had come along in previous years but many were first time attendees. We asked each of them why they wanted to join the retreat – here’s what they told us:
“[I came] to do something for me, [and have] space to process and find people outside of my ex’s sphere of influence, with people who get it.”
“[I came] because I found a huge amount of healing last year and really wanted to come again to meet up with other survivors.”
A space to heal
Our aim is always to create a space that feels safe and welcoming as soon as guests arrive. Many are navigating significant challenges in their day to day lives: drawn out court proceedings, difficult child contact arrangements, and post-separation abuse are very present realities. We want to give them a weekend to rest away from all of those complexities. One guest summed it up like this:
“This weekend feels like a breath of fresh air. I have felt cared for, encouraged, understood and seen. It is one of the highlights of my year!”
Throughout the weekend, guests can get to know each other in the beautiful grounds of the venue and over delicious meals. We also put on workshops and activities, like craft, drama, and even a scratch choir! Alongside this we want to give an opportunity for the women to hear from God, and this year we took a look at Philippians, considering how we can experience joy even amidst the challenges that life throws at us.
“[The thing I’ll take away is] that as a citizen of heaven, I will not be shaken by earthly battles. I was reminded of God’s love for me, that I’m not alone and that there is hope beyond abuse and court.”
“[I’ve realised] that God doesn’t want me just to survive. He wants me to live a life that has joy in it!”
A space to connect
As we said goodbye on the final day, I felt so grateful that Restored is able to play a part in the journeys of these incredible women. Their resilience is truly inspiring, and it’s a genuine privilege to get to know them and be trusted with their stories. I’ll leave you with this final quote from one of the first time attendees:
“I’m just incredibly grateful to feel accepted and not questioned over my experience. Church hasn’t always been a safe place for me, so to feel able to take my mask off and not pretend I have it all together has been so freeing.
I was nervous about not knowing people and feeling like I was not a proper ‘victim’ because there are others in a worse situation, but I am so glad I took this step. I feel I’ve made life-long friends and instantly connected without having to explain my story.”
Help more women join the Survivors Retreat
The Survivors Retreat is only made possible by the generosity of supporters just like you. Today, you can give a gift to help more women access this vital support.
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