Charity Work
Reubens Retreat
Reubens Retreat is a charity that supports families bereaved of a child and families of children with a life limiting and life threatening illness.
Along with delivering my services via 1-2-1 counselling, I have been an instrumental part of the development of a new offering at Reubens Retreat, Dad’s Club. Dad’s Club is a unique and rare space to support fathers of bereaved or terminally ill children.
Reubens Retreat functions solely through donations of charity. If you would like to contribute to this amazing charity please do so here.
“James was an integral part of the launching of our new initiative at Reubens Retreat in 2020; Dads club. Our group for bereaved fathers has gone from strength to strength.
James has the ability to work on many levels. He sees, hears and feels the stresses and worries of our bereaved parents as he is an excellent and empathetic observer.
James then intrinsically weaves in the ability for our beneficiaries; to be able to support them to navigate their path on their healing journey - in a clear and gently guided way. He holds each individual whilst also supporting the group as a whole.”
- Deborah, Family Wellbeing Champion and Bereavement Lead
Reuben’s Story
Our journey to becoming a family support charity begins in 2012……
Reuben passed away on the 21st of August 2012 from an aggressive brain tumour whilst on a family holiday in Devon.
His mummy promised him that his life would not be in vain and she would be a legacy in his name.
After all, each life, no matter how brief, can change a little part of our world.
The family were committed to donating Reuben’s organs, to save others. Unable to do this, his mummy created something special, and just 2 days after losing Reuben, ‘Reuben’s Retreat’ was born.
It was to be a sanctuary, a place where families with complexly poorly children could holiday, a place of comfort, peace and tranquillity, a place where fun and memories could be made.
The family had the opportunity to make fantastic and beautiful memories with Reuben in his short life and wanted to gift this opportunity to others.
Later, when planning Reuben’s memorial, it was decided that the charity would also support families after the loss of a child.
3-Minute Breathing Space
have you ever tried a 3-minute guided breathing space? I created this one for the beneficiaries of Reubens Retreat. Why not take a few moments now and let me guide you through it.