Slide Spirit to Spirit: UK Memory Bridge Retreat

In partnership with St. Christopher’s Hospice, we’re excited to announce Spirit to Spirit: The Memory Bridge UK Summer Retreat at Sarum College in Salisbury, England.

 

Over the course of five days, participants will explore the spirit-to-spirit communication that occurs between people with dementia and those who love them. Our intention is to break through the clichéd understandings of person-centered care to advance global awareness about the possibilities of communicating with persons with dementia in ego-transcending ways.

 

The Retreat is open to all people who are in relationship, personally or vocationally, with one or more persons with dementia. Full scholarships (except for travel expenses) will be awarded to the 12 persons from around the world who are selected to attend the Retreat.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Spirit to Spirit: The Memory Bridge UK Summer Retreat has been rescheduled for the summer of 2021.

Memory Bridge in Action at St. Christopher's Hospice

The Retreat is based on our “I Am a Bridge” training that positions people with dementia in the roles of teacher, guide, and companion. The central experience of the five-day retreat is the daily meetings with the elders with dementia who live in a nearby residential community and participate in the program.

 

In addition to the one-to-one and group visits with people with dementia, the experience incorporates a day of learning about tuning into the spirit through sound with percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie and composer John McHugh. The retreat will also include presentations, facilitated discussions, videos, literature, extensive reflection, yoga, daily meditation, and many hours of informal conversations with the other participants. On the final day of the retreat, we will go to St. Christopher’s Hospice in London to learn about their holistic philosophy of healing and allied care practices.

Interested in Participating? 

Please contact us if you are interested in learning more or have questions about the retreat.

While the retreat schedule for this year has not yet been set, you can click below to see what we’ve done in years past during our annual US retreat.

Retreat Setting

Located in Salisbury, about two hours’ travel from London, Sarum College is a center for study and research, with a passion for learning that nourishes the human spirit.

 

Their courses, conferences, and facilities are open to people of all faiths and no faith. Founded in 1995, the College is based in historic buildings designated Grade I by the National Heritage List for England, and has a heritage of theological education stretching back more than 150 years in Salisbury’s Cathedral Close.

Retreat participants are housed in Sarum College’s guest bedrooms. Information about accommodations is provided on the College’s website. The cost of housing and meals at the College will be covered by the scholarship.

Sarum College Gate
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