Baobab’s Residential Retreat this year at Jamie’s Farm 

Last month, a group of our community members went on our first summer residential retreat at Jamie’s Farm, a working farm and therapeutic environment in Monmouth, Wales. We were returning after a gap last year and this was very welcomed by both the Jamie’s Farm staff and Baobab community. Throughout the week, Baobab community members worked in teams to care for animals, spend time in nature, prepare meals and look after the land. While the mornings were early and the work was often tiring, the retreat was full of energy, laughter and teamwork. Our community members prepared delicious meals for all, engineered a special remedy for a poorly chicken, led horses through nature, planted vegetables and took part in a sheep and cow move. Through the therapeutic part of the programme, the young people strengthened trust in staff members and created bonds with one another. At certain times of the day, everyone reflected on their success and behaviour, giving compliments and showing recognition to the rest of the group’s achievements.  It was clear that for the young people at least, working on a farm and caring for animals tapped into childhood memories and experiences – an opportunity for our young people to feel valued for their personal qualities and skills.  

We will run two summer residential retreats this year. Each is a chance for community members to get away from their stressful lives in London, take part in more intensive therapeutic group work and build confidence in their skills. Retreats are a key part of our mission to support our young people in rebuilding the fundamental capacity to form safe relationships after multiple adverse experiences suffered during childhood. For unaccompanied young asylum seekers who have faced traumatic experiences, the ability to build and maintain secure relationships is often fragmented as their trust in key adult figures has too often been broken in their lives. Residential retreats are unique opportunities to share space and life together, and reflect on the experience – cooking, eating, working, or relaxing after a busy day together and, importantly, examining everyday feelings and difficulties in reflective groups. They are key moments where all, team and young people, learn to bond and share – to form community together.