Over two days, we hosted a Beach Mental Wellness Retreat in Skegness, welcoming over 180 participants from Nottingham including adults and children. Day 1 saw more than 120 attendees, and Day 2 over 60. The retreat combined culturally tailored mental health sessions with time for relaxation, play, and bonding by the beach, offering a holistic approach to mental wellness.
For adults, we delivered interactive training similar to our Mental Health First Aid sessions, covering topics such as stress management, understanding common mental health conditions, reducing stigma, and supporting others in a culturally relevant way. Sessions were engaging, with practical strategies that participants could immediately apply to their daily lives.
Children participated in fun, interactive activities designed to promote emotional expression, mindfulness, teamwork, and creativity. Activities included painting sea creatures on rocks, scavenger hunts, sand Pictionary, relay races, ocean calm-down bottles, storytelling, sand and shell collages, and quiz-based games. These exercises encouraged children to verbalise feelings, manage stress, develop communication skills, and build confidence while enjoying the beach environment.
Throughout the retreat, participants had ample time to relax, swim, and connect with one another, both during the journey to Skegness and on the beach itself. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Participants highlighted that the retreat was informative, enjoyable, and culturally relevant. Adults appreciated learning practical ways to improve mental health, reduce stigma, and support others, while children had fun learning to express themselves and engage with peers in creative, mindful ways. The retreat successfully combined learning, relaxation, and community bonding, leaving participants feeling rejuvenated and empowered.
Thanks to funding from AHPN and support from community groups and volunteers.
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