Creative Retreat, Cambo house (Nov ’22)
This article was orginally published by a participant in the NHS Allied Health Professionals and Spiritual Care newsletter
In November staff from Health and Social Care Services in Tayside had the opportunity to take part in a two-day creative well-being retreat delivered at Cambo Estate by Stand Easy Productions. It was a time to relax, recharge and reflect on daily life, the new world following the pandemic and psychological safety in the work place.
The retreat was fully funded by Stand Easy, a small, community theatre charity which delivers creative projects designed to improve well-being, increase resilience and reduce isolation. They work with Military veterans, serving and retired Emergency Responders as well as Health and Social Care staff.
The two-day retreat took place at the beautiful Cambo Estate in Kingsbarns, where we relaxed in the luxurious accommodation at the Cambo House and had full access to the grounds, gardens and beach. The Retreat was attended by 5 people; members of NHS clinical and administrative staff, Social Prescribers and staff from the Spiritual Care & Well- Being department. We engaged in
Cambo Gardens
Various creative exercises to explore experiences of the pandemic, mental health and resilience. Additionally, we took part in some "values clarification" exercises to better understand our intrinsic motivations and how these impacted our well-being both in and out of the workplace. We also explored what we experience when our values are upheld or subverted. The two days culminated in the creation of a short piece of movement and spoken word.
Feedback from those who attended said they enjoyed the Retreat and would want to take part in similar activities in the future. They also said they would encourage colleagues to attend future retreats and 75% stated that their well-being and resilience improved as a result of the retreat.
Sculpture at Cambo Gardens
Here’s what some participants said about their experiences:
“It was fantastic...I enjoyed the opportunity to get outdoors and be 'childlike'...the venue of the retreat [and] the fun way of learning about yourself and the people in the group”
““everyone involved in the planning made sure we felt comfortable and never had to participate in everything if we did not want to, making us more relaxed. From start to finish the whole experience was wonderful and definitely being outdoors and away from TV, the noisy world and internet helped”
“Just many thanks for giving me the opportunity to have some much-needed stress relief!”
“I am completely impressed with the work done by Stand Easy”
