Family Retreat 2026 – Book now!

Friday 31st July – Sunday 2nd August 2026

A safe, supportive weekend for families affected by sickle cell

Our Family Retreat is a much-loved annual break that brings families together for a weekend of learning, adventure, connection and fun — all in a safe, understanding environment designed around the needs of families living with sickle cell.

What the Family Retreat offers

The retreat is designed to give families time away from everyday pressures, while also creating space to learn, share experiences, and build confidence — for children, parents and siblings alike.

Families stay together in comfortable on-site accommodation, with shared meals, group activities and plenty of time to relax. Activities are carefully planned so that children, parents and siblings all get something meaningful from the weekend.

Activities and sessions

Across the weekend, families take part in a wide range of optional activities, including:

• Adventure activities such as zip lining, abseiling, archery and canoeing
• Creative sessions including art, spoken word and team challenges
• Family-friendly fun like discos, board games and soft play
• Dedicated sickle cell education sessions
• Parent sessions with healthcare professionals, including a nurse counsellor and doctor
• Mental wellbeing sessions for families and siblings
• Healthy eating and lifestyle sessions
• Supervised crèche sessions and age-appropriate children’s activities
• Special character visits and surprise activities for children

Activities run in parallel, with some sessions for parents and children separately, and others designed for the whole family to enjoy together.

A supportive, inclusive environment

The retreat is built around connection and community. Families come from across the UK and many tell us it’s the first time they’ve spent time with others who truly understand life with sickle cell.

At previous retreats:

• Every family told us they made new friends and had fun
• All children learned something new about sickle cell
• Many families and children tried activities they had never done before
• Children reported learning more about themselves and increased their confidence

Practical details

• Each family has their own en-suite room
• Meals and activities are provided
• Families are responsible for their children at all times, except during supervised sessions
• Phone use is encouraged to be minimal outside bedrooms to help children fully engage
• Our team is on site throughout the weekend to support families

Who the Family Retreat is for

The Family Retreat is open to families based in the UK who are affected by sickle cell, with at least one child under the age of 16 living with the condition in their family unit.

We take a whole-family approach, because sickle cell doesn’t just affect one person — it affects the entire family. The retreat is designed so that everyone has the chance to learn, connect, relax and enjoy time together.

Support throughout the weekend

Our experienced and skilled staff team is on hand throughout the retreat to provide support, guidance and reassurance where needed. Activities are carefully planned to be inclusive, flexible and age-appropriate, with a mix of family sessions and separate activities for parents, children and siblings.

Limited places – apply early

The Family Retreat is always popular, and places are limited. We strongly encourage families to apply as early as possible.

Book your place

If you have any questions about the sickle cell family retreat, please contact samantha.burridge@sicklecellsociety.org