My visit to Reubens Retreat
I have been wanting to visit for a long time, but you know how it is, life sometimes gets in the way. This time nothing was going to stop me.
On arrival I was greeted by the always smiling ‘Mummy’ Nicola Graham as well as Sally Anne and Nicky, I was so happy to be there and felt so welcome. The beautiful room I walked into was a light open space, but also cosy, it felt like it was giving me a hug. We sat down and chatted and got updates about what was going on at Reubens Retreat and about the people they were already helping with the services they can offer.
Reubens Retreat is an ongoing project and is split into 10 phases. Each phase is a massive project in its own right. They are working towards phase 4 at the moment which is going to be the hydrotherapy suite. This will include all the specialist equipment to make it accessible to all. Right now, it’s an empty shell with a lot of work to be done. This phase alone will cost more than 300K.
Reubens Retreat does not get funding from the government or the lottery, all the money that comes in they have worked really hard to raise. They are supported by people willing to do anything from a car boot or bake sale to climbing Snowdon and everything in between. This means that the speed of the build depends completely on raising funds. They would I’m sure like to just wake up and it all be completed, but it’s just not that simple. This a journey that will last for a long time but will never turn anyone away who is in need along the way.
‘Mummy’ and the team have such big dreams and aspirations and the thing is, I am in no doubt that they will achieve them. They offer something that comes straight from the heart and isn’t about anything other than the people they can help.
Reuben’s Retreat will be a home from home for children that are life limited, life threatened. A place for families that face an uncertain future. To make memories and holiday. Reuben’s already serves as a bereavement, counselling support centre for Mummies, Daddies and siblings that lose a child, and families that face an uncertain future.
This is a really brief update about my day out, but there is so much more to tell you, I could tell you how Reubens Retreat started, but the best way to know is to read Reubens journey for yourself. Here is the link to the page on the website. https://www.reubensretreat.org/reubens-journey/
I am so lucky to be a part of this incredible project even if it is only in a small way, please share Reubens story with the people around you and with anyone you feel could use their services or support them.