ROOKHOW is a Quaker charity in the quiet Rusland Valley, about 15 minutes from Ulverston in South Lakes, consisting of a 16 bed bunkbarn, historic Meeting House for group space, a heated yurt in the woods and 2 campfires set in 12 acres of magical oak woodland. Our Retreat Away Fund is set up to allow community groups, who may not be able to cover the cost themselves, to stay at Rookhow.
Over the last 3 years over 500 people from 40 organisations have benefitted from the fund. Groups include LGBTQ+ youth groups, refugees, support for people dealing with trauma and addictions, mental health support groups and organisations supporting families on low incomes. Here's some comments:
"It was so good to play outside, to just be myself without any pressure from social media and kids at school being mean, I loved playing in the woods the best, I felt like I could be a kid". (12 year old)
"This adventure rejuvenated my soul"
"I feel so refreshed and alive"
" I felt at home in this place"
"The log fire made me think of Syria and I thought about my family"
"I am an asylum seeker but I forgot about the troubles in my country. I felt as if I was with my friends in my country here."
The deadline for the next round is 1st April.
If you would like to apply, see the attached further information and fill in the application form. Give me a ring if you would like to discuss your application.You are welcome to come to have a look around and we can pencil in provisional dates for your group (depending on funding). See our availability calendar: CHECK AVAILABILITY. Previous organisations are welcome to apply: priority will be given to people who have not been to Rookhow before.
The Bunkbarn is currently being renovated to improve its energy efficiency and will be open by the end of March with insulated floors, underfloor heating powered by an air source heat pump, heritage double glazed windows and doors, a new kitchen and new toilets and showers.
Details of the groups who have benefited so far: Charitable Work (rookhow.org.uk)
The Rookhow Retreat Away Fund is supported by individual donations, local Quaker Meetings and we put at least 5% of our bookings income into the fund. If you would like to contribute, please follow the link: DONATE TO ROOKHOW
We ask groups to be respectful of the Quaker Testimonies of Equality, Integrity, Simplicity, Community and stewardship of the Earth and Peace.
Sue Nicholls (she/her)
Rookhow Development Manager
Rookhow phone number: 07377 971783
