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Living with Loss Creative Grief Workshop – February 2026

Have you been struggling since the death of a loved one?

The Living with Loss Creative Grief Workshop, led by Abi May, will be held at Shallowford House this February. This special two-day workshop is designed to help you find a way forward in your changed circumstances following the life-changing loss of bereavement.

Through led sessions, creative activities, crafts, and group discussions, participants will explore:

• Coping with the emotional, psychological, social, practical and spiritual impact of bereavement
• Remembrance of loved ones
• Ways of living a changed life from which a loved one is now absent

Workshop Details
📅 Dates: Two consecutive Saturdays – 21st & 28th February 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
📍 Location: Shallowford House, Staffordshire, ST15 0PB
💷 Cost: £70 for both days (includes lunch, snacks, limitless hot drinks, and all retreat materials). Financial help is available if needed.

Who Can Attend?
Those bereaved of a close friend, spouse or partner, child, or other family member (at least six months since bereavement)

• Open to adults aged 21 and over
• Gentle Christian spiritual content, but open to those of all faiths and none
• Attending this workshop makes you eligible for the Living with Loss follow-on events

About the Leader
The workshop is led by Abi May – author, bereaved mother, retreat leader and educator. You can find more about her work at www.livingwithloss.co.uk
.

Location
Shallowford House is a comfortable property set in its own grounds in rural Staffordshire, near Stone – less than 15 minutes’ drive from Stafford and with easy access from M6 Junction 14. Learn more at www.shallowfordhouse.org
.

Comments from Previous Participants
“The content of the bereavement sessions was excellent and the approach varied, interactive and all very clearly presented.”

“I thought Abi led the sessions with sensitivity and compassion.”

“This was a first-class retreat which I found extremely helpful.”

“I had no idea, really, what to expect this week. I am returning home feeling assured that I will survive and continue to take ‘small steps’ on my journey.”

📞 To reserve your place or for more information, call Shallowford House on 01785 760233.

👉 Visit: www.livingwithloss.co.uk
| www.shallowfordhouse.org

Our Garden Working Parties are a highlight of the year, bringing volunteers together to care for the grounds, plant flowers, and maintain our beautiful retreat gardens. Accommodation, meals, and all activities are provided, so volunteers can stay free of charge while making a meaningful contribution to the improvement of our Retreat Centre!

These hands-on opportunities allow volunteers to serve in a meaningful way, enjoy fellowship with others, and experience the satisfaction of contributing to a growing ministry. 🌸🌱

But gardening isn’t the only way to help. Helping Hands volunteers also contribute through:

• Baking and preparing refreshments for guests

• Decorating and maintaining indoor spaces

• Welcoming visitors and supporting events

• Sharing other unique skills to enhance our ministry

These events provide opportunities to work, pray, and socialise while making a real difference in the life of our retreat house.

Join Our Growing Ministry

Whether you can volunteer regularly or occasionally, your time and skills are valued. Becoming part of ‘Helping Hands’ is a wonderful way to give back, build community, and help care for the Shallowford House Retreat and its gardens.

Get Involved Today
If you’d like to join this growing and rewarding ministry, please contact us to find out more. Together, we can continue to nurture a welcoming and vibrant space for all who come to Shallowford House.

9am – 3pm

Reflection Series

A series of days to explore the journey within – all welcome, those of any faith or none. Join us for one, some or all. The days will start with morning worship and end with a simple Agape service (sharing of bread), which reflects our ecumenical approach. Enjoy music, quiet time and space apart.

Sue & Pauline invite you to recapture the simplicity of a childhood Christmas and “imagine” that Bethlehem scene: what can that teach us about ourselves today?

Call our office to book! 01785 760233

—

 

Sue and Pauline first met in 1998 when they were Directors of an environmental charity. In an early conversation Sue, an Anglican, recalls, is telling Pauline, a Catholic, she would not be able to convert her to the Catholic faith! This started an enduring friendship and a desire to grow in faith together. In 2013, they started a monthly ecumenical service in their own churches in Telford: both have a love of Iona where they first truly experienced shared worship in 2002. A shared love of music is an added joy. They’ve made the pilgrimage every year since. Over the last five years, they’ve developed Quiet Mornings in Telford, on different themes but all allowing people to experience time apart – quiet time to reflect and share experiences with others. They’ve always taken St Augustine’s well know saying as the basis for self discovery:

“People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains, at the huge waves of the seas, at the long course of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars, and yet they pass by themselves without wondering.” —St. Augustine.

So, Pauline and Sue say: “if you’re interested in exploring the journey within – please come exploring with us – we’re still finding it’s the most exciting journey of all”.

 

9am – 3pm

Our relationships with God, others and ourself. How do you see God and respond to his longing for us?

Reflection Series

A series of days to explore the journey within – all welcome, those of any faith or none. Join us for one, some or all. The days will start with morning worship and end with a simple Agape service (sharing of bread), which reflects our ecumenical approach. Enjoy music, quiet time and space apart.

Sue & Pauline guide you towards rediscovering the childlike hope and wonder of years past.

Call our office to book! 01785 760233

—

 

Sue and Pauline first met in 1998 when they were Directors of an environmental charity. In an early conversation Sue, an Anglican, recalls, is telling Pauline, a Catholic, she would not be able to convert her to the Catholic faith! This started an enduring friendship and a desire to grow in faith together. In 2013, they started a monthly ecumenical service in their own churches in Telford: both have a love of Iona where they first truly experienced shared worship in 2002. A shared love of music is an added joy. They’ve made the pilgrimage every year since. Over the last five years, they’ve developed Quiet Mornings in Telford, on different themes but all allowing people to experience time apart – quiet time to reflect and share experiences with others. They’ve always taken St Augustine’s well know saying as the basis for self discovery:

“People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains, at the huge waves of the seas, at the long course of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars, and yet they pass by themselves without wondering.” —St. Augustine.

So, Pauline and Sue say: “if you’re interested in exploring the journey within – please come exploring with us – we’re still finding it’s the most exciting journey of all”.

 

9:45 am – 3:30 pm

These are led by Rev Evelyn Bone and she leads us through a gentle day of devotion, quiet time and worship. There is the opportunity to meet one to one and engage in a few prayerful activities.

The cost is £26 which includes lunch and refreshments. The day runs from 9.45am to 3.30pm. Please call the office on 01785 760233 to book.

Dates:  

• May 19th
• June 9th
• July 7th
• August 4th
• September 15th
• October 13th
• November 10th
• December 8th