FAQs

What sets Mental Health Getaway apart from other retreats?

Ethos / vibe

This is not a ‘woo woo’ weekender with wishy washy B.S.; this is a modern science-backed, unique approach to improving mental health.

Approach

Mental Health Getaway takes a different, more fundamental approach to mental health.  We do not believe the medical professional way is the right way, and we can prove it.

Teachings

“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Unlike any other organisation, Mental Health Getaway teaches the basis of good mental health, shares the underlying cause of mental ill health and gives you the tools to feel better.  In this way, we believe we’re teaching a person to ‘fish’, i.e. teaching a person to support their own mental health now, and for the future.

We don’t simply tell you to reach for a better feeling, we give you the basis for it first and then show you how much easier it is when you have the foundations right.  These tools are fun, diverse and when you know them, they will set you up for a happier, healthier, fitter life; a better way of being that you can teach your children and future generations.

We set the foundations using a combination of appropriate nutrition, movement, sleep and rest in the first instance.  We also discuss other aspects that could be working against you having better mental health.  We then layer this with practical and psychological tools to support you on a daily basis and moving forward in your life goals.

Schedule

We have collated a unique schedule of events that allow you to work on your body, mind and self.  You will receive guided action planning to gain insight into what is working in your life and what you want to change, and importantly, how to change it.

We also give you free time to connect with others, or spend time alone, which we understand may be a rare treat for some.

What is included?

-          All meals and snacks are provided, from Thursday’s evening meal to Sunday morning’s breakfast.  We request that you do not bring your own food, snacks and drinks as we would like you to feel the full benefit of a clean, organic diet over the weekend.

-          Teas and coffees

-          3 nights accommodation in a luxury setting with crisp, fresh sheets and fluffy towels

-          All organic, clean, nutritionally balanced food (we explain why), freshly prepared on-site by your own personal chef

-          Treat hamper included with snacks, pure skin products, discounts and much more

-          Come away feeling relaxed, refreshed, energised, clear and enthusiastic about life again

-          Learn the building blocks for mental health – practical, actionable steps and techniques, none of the wishy-washy B.S.

-          A better understanding of yourself, your needs and wants

-          An action plan for moving forward in your life goals

-          Access to a Transformational Life Coach

-          Information, talks and group discussions

-          Fitness/stretching sessions each day

-          ‘Hand-outs to health’ notes

-          Complimentary parking

What is not included?

-          Relaxing massage – optional extra (pre-booking required, additional fee £60 for 1 hour)

-          Travel insurance

-          Travel to / from the venue

-          Visa fees

What kind of food will be provided

We have a private chef who will cater for us for the whole weekend.

The food is all organic, clean and nutritionally balanced food (we explain why).  The food is made from scratch without additives, preservatives, colourants, pesticides, fertilisers or common allergens and toxins.

If you have any food allergies, intolerances or dietary requirements, please let us know at the time of booking by email to info@mentalhealthgetaway.com.  We will do our best to cater for you.  Should we be unable to cater for you, we will contact you to discuss this.  If your requirements are significant, we reserve the right to make an additional charge to cater for your needs.

Accommodation

We have a variety of bedrooms on offer suited to individuals, couples and twin-sharers.  Some of the rooms are en-suite and some share a bathroom.  The price will depend on your preference and availability.

Can I bring a friend / partner?

Yes, you are very welcome to come with someone, or come alone; we are an inclusive organisation.

If you would like to bring a partner, please remember that some of the retreats are same-sex.  Please do not be offended by this.  We are an inclusive organisation and recognise that everyone has value to add.

The reason we separate out the binary sexes is because of the content of our Getaways in which we discuss human psychology and behaviours based on sex-specific hormone signalling and sex-specific hormone profiling.  Whilst everyone is different, and we are all on a spectrum of something, we believe sex-specifics can have an impact on behaviour, and alters communication styles, relationship roles and many other aspects.

If you identify as non-binary or are transgender, please do get in touch to see how we can help you.  If we have enough interest, we would be delighted to host a Getaway for people who identify as non-binary or transgender and we welcome your thoughts on how best to do this.

If you choose to come with a friend, we have accommodation options that will allow you to share a room, if you would find that financially beneficial.  Please let us know your requirements on booking and we will do our best to cater for you.

Can I come alone?

Yes, you are very welcome to come alone and make new connections with like-minded people.

Do you cater for food intolerances, mobility issues or special needs?

Absolutely!  We are an inclusive organisation.  Please refer to our Ts and Cs for full details on these.

How do I get to the venue?

We hold our Getaways in exclusive, secret locations.  We advertise the location of the venue when taking bookings and send out the exact details within 14 days of the start date. If you have any specific queries about getting to the location, please do not hesitate to get in touch by email: info@mentalhealthgetaway.com

Because of the sometimes rural nature of our venues, it would be ideal if you have a car to get yourself there, however if you need to use public transport, please let us know and we'll help where we can. There is ample, secure parking on-site or locally.

What time does the Getaway start and finish?

Start: Thursday, arrive from 5pm and ideally be in attendance from 6pm.

End: Sunday morning at 10am.

In order to fully benefit from the weekend, we request you attend for the duration.  Please see Terms and Conditions for late arrival or early departure.

What do I need to bring?

Please bring:

-          Yourself and an open, inquisitive mind

-          Comfortable clothes in which you feel relaxed.  There is no dress code, however we request that you wear clothing on both your upper and lower body during the Getaway.

-          Work out gear - there will be 2 fitness sessions involving exertion during which you may sweat.  There will also be a gentle stretching session.  Please bring sufficient changes of clothing for you to feel most comfortable.

-          Trainers for working out.

-          Shoes for walking locally, should you wish to do so.

-          Warm clothes in case it is chilly during the day, or in the evenings.

-          Note pad and pen - to write down useful information, and also for the brain-storming sessions we will have.

You do not need to bring a towel.  Fluffy towels and fresh crisp bed-linen will be provided.

We request you do not bring your own food and drinks to the Getaway, and in all cases, alcohol and other substances including cigarettes, vapes and illegal drugs are not permitted.  This is because we want you to feel the benefit of the clean living that we offer at the Getaway.

We understand that you may feel unable to go without cigarettes, roll-ups or vapes, in which case you will be requested to do this well away from the house, and preferably off-site.

Will I have internet access?

One of the features of the Getaway is a digital detox.  In this regard, you will surrender your mobile phone/s, tablets, laptops, computers and other devices at the start of the Getaway.  These will be held under lock and key by MHG until the end of the Getaway.  Alternatively, you can leave these locked in your car and we request that you do not access them.  This is clearly up to you, however you will not feel the full benefit of the Getaway unless you fully participate in this way.

We will provide you with an emergency contact number to give to your next of kin in the event they need to contact you urgently.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to reach out on info@mentalhealthgetaway.com.  We are here for you.