AFCFT Therapeutic retreats 2025

 

Taking place in an area of outstanding natural beauty (Lake District) our veterans’ retreats have an immediate positive effect on our beneficiaries’ mental health and wellbeing. Combine this with an exploratory, carefully choreographed series of individual and group processes within a comfortable lodge setting over two nights and the potential for transformational healing is significant.

 


 

2025 Retreat dates

 

March 14th – 16th

May 9th – 11th

July 18th – 20th

October 3rd – 5th

December 5th – 7th

 

To make a booking for any of the above dates please send an email to activities@tomharrisonhouse.org.uk 

 


 

 Testimonials from previous retreats…

 

I had the absolute pleasure of being invited to the AFCFT Veterans’ Therapeutic Retreat with Tom Harrison House (THH) in early October this year.

I had no expectations other than wanting to find new tools to help me in my recovery and with my mental health, and boy, did it deliver.

I was welcomed with open arms by everyone and felt instantly at ease and knew that this was going to an incredible experience.

We were given the opportunity to really delve deep into our souls and take part in processes that release trauma and past experiences that may be holding us back in life.

The process I went through has honestly changed my life, I feel a lot more at ease with my past and it’s an experience I would urge anyone to embark on.

The counsellors were incredible, they had great wisdom, professionalism, and were extremely supportive.

The morning dips in the cold lakes ‘Wim Hof’ style were invigorating and amongst a beautiful setting.

The support team were all veterans and previous graduates of THH, and they provided outstanding food and kept the weekend running smoothly.

I made some great connections and have onward support through the AFCFT Women Veterans Project online support groups.

I would highly recommend this life changing experience to anyone who has the opportunity. I threw myself into it and got so much from it. I look forward to the next one. Thank you THH and AFCFT.

 


 

 The retreat has given me a new lease of life it’s really help me with my struggles and can’t thank the staff enough.

 From a professional side, I can’t put into words the doors you have opened for Everton in the Community, connecting us to our wider Veteran family, opening my eyes to what is important and sometimes more importantly what isn’t when I become consumed in trying to tick every box. This weekend has literally saved lives, the workshops the experience and the support provided in the whole package has been nothing less than fantastic. From a personal side I didn’t know how much guidance I needed in my own life until I was faced with the opportunity. Thank-you to all involved from myself and the rest of the Everton crew. It wasn’t the end for us yesterday, it was just the beginning.

 I went on the retreat with no expectations as to what I wanted out of it apart from learning more about who I truly am, and the safe and magical circle that was created made it easy for me to feel so connected and safe to share whatever I was feeling.

I loved the Wim Hof and jumping in the lake is always great, then when we did the conscious connected breathing techniques something real happened to me. I was able to 100% connect with myself in a way I’d never thought was possible, truly an amazing experience.

As the retreat went on, I felt I was comfortable enough to share something that was suppressed deep inside me, with other people sharing helped me to let out me resentment I knew I had to try and let go, and by doing a process with everyone made this easier for me. I felt so relieved after doing this. I just want to thank everybody, staff and volunteers who took part and made this such an amazing experience for me thank you with all my heart.

 The retreat at the Lakes was one of the most spiritual weekends of my life. Beautiful surroundings and like-minded people, all there to look deep within ourselves, to find some peace and clarity.

Through meditation, breathing techniques and some Wim Hoff procedures, I was able to go to some magical places and heal some past traumas.

I’m eternally grateful to Tom Harrison House and everyone involved. I felt so connected to everyone.

 


 

 I attended the weekend with a level of anxiety. I needn’t have felt like that at all, as the whole weekend was about understanding myself on a deeper level, working with some amazing and inspirational people.

The volunteers ensured all candidates could fully focus on all activities. I personally found the breathing/shaking session to be cathartic, along with the cold-water swims.

The physical activity was rewarding and helped to cement the bonds we had already created. The overwhelming message was “You are never alone.”

I left full of positive energy and with total respect and admiration for everyone I met over the weekend.