About this Event
Awaken Genius Alternative Education Family Wellbeing Day Retreat
Join us for a powerful and uplifting family wellbeing day retreat designed to nurture connection, creativity, and healing for children, young people, and their families.
The Awaken Genius Alternative Education Family Wellbeing Day Retreat brings together psychology, art, movement, and community to create a safe and inspiring space where families can slow down, reconnect, and rediscover their strengths.
At the heart of this retreat is the African philosophy of Ubuntu — often expressed as “I am because we are.” Ubuntu reminds us that our wellbeing is deeply connected to the wellbeing of others. It centres on community, compassion, belonging, and shared humanity, recognising that people grow and heal through supportive relationships.
This retreat embodies the spirit of Ubuntu by creating a welcoming space where families feel seen, valued, and supported by the collective. Through art, movement, storytelling, and reflection, participants are encouraged to connect with their own strengths while experiencing the power of community.
Through creative arts and somatic (body-based) practices, participants will explore ways to release stress, build emotional awareness, and experience joy together. These sessions use art, music, storytelling, improvisation games, breathwork, and gentle movement to help families feel safe, grounded, and connected — supporting both emotional wellbeing and meaningful family relationships.
This day is rooted in the Awaken Genius philosophy that every child has innate potential, and that creativity, compassionate support, and community help that potential flourish.
Building Community Through Creative and Somatic Practices
A key part of the retreat focuses on building community, safety, and belonging through creative and body-based practices.
In the spirit of Ubuntu, families will take part in a series of creative arts activities, somatic therapy practices, improvisation games, and breathwork exercises designed to help participants relax, connect, and feel present with one another.
These experiences gently encourage playfulness, emotional expression, and trust, helping both children and adults step out of everyday pressures and into a space of curiosity, creativity, and connection. Through movement, laughter, art, and shared experiences, families will have the opportunity to strengthen their bonds and build meaningful connections with others in the community.
This session will be facilitated by Michael, founder of Awaken Genius, who brings over 14 years of experience working with young people and families in educational settings. Michael’s approach centres on recognising the hidden strengths and potential within every child, using creativity and positive reframing to help young people see their gifts.
He will be co-facilitated by Dr Bisi Showunmi.
Dr. Bisi Showunmi is an Educational and Child Psychologist with nearly 10 years of experience supporting children, young people, and families with additional needs across all age groups. She works privately to help families access the right educational support and delivers evidence-based interventions tailored to community contexts.
Dr. Bisi has co-facilitated the Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) programme, supervised trained ELSAs, and applies culturally informed psychological approaches. She has a particular interest in race, culture, and identity, having written her thesis on racial-ethnic identity and academic achievement, delivered race-based trauma sessions in schools, and edited the Anna Freud publication Helping Young Children to Think About Race in the Early Years.
Passionate about empowering children and families, Dr. Bisi values holistic support, mental health, and community well-being. She works to ensure that every child can flourish and that families can access the psychology and support they need.
Tree of Life Therapy Session
One of the highlights of the day will be a Tree of Life therapeutic workshop led by Educational and Child Psychologist Dr Bisi Showunmi.
The Tree of Life is a powerful narrative therapy approach that uses the metaphor of a tree to help children, young people, and families explore their identity, strengths, and life experiences in a positive and empowering way.
Participants will reflect on different parts of the tree:
- Roots – where we come from, our culture, family, and history
- Trunk – our strengths, values, and skills
- Branches – our hopes, dreams, and goals for the future
- Leaves – important people who support and nurture us
- Fruits – the gifts and lessons we receive from others
Through creative expression and guided reflection, the Tree of Life process helps participants tell their stories in a safe and hopeful way, highlighting resilience, identity, and possibility rather than focusing on difficulties. It allows families to recognise their strengths, celebrate their heritage, and deepen their understanding of one another.
Who This Event Is For
This retreat is for Black families who want to connect, reflect, and grow together in a supportive community space.
It is especially suitable for:
- Families interested in alternative or holistic approaches to education and wellbeing
- Parents who want to support their children’s emotional wellbeing and self-confidence
- Children and young people who enjoy creative expression, art, music, and movement
- Families who value community, cultural diversity, and shared learning
- Parents seeking a safe and positive space to connect with other families
No prior experience with art, therapy, or movement practices is needed — just come as you are.
Benefits for Families and Children
This retreat offers families the opportunity to:
- Strengthen family bonds through shared creative experiences
- Build confidence and emotional awareness
- Celebrate identity, culture, and personal strengths
- Experience creative arts and somatic practices that support wellbeing
- Develop a sense of belonging and community
- Learn new tools for communication, resilience, and self-expression
Children and adults alike will leave with a greater sense of connection, inspiration, and possibility.
Age Guidance
This event is designed for families with children aged 8 and above .
Younger or older siblings are welcome, but activities are primarily designed to engage children and young people within this age range.
Parents and carers are encouraged to participate alongside their children, as the retreat focuses on shared family experiences and connection.
Community Lunch – In the Spirit of Ubuntu
In the spirit of Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — we invite families to take part in a shared community meal.
You are warmly invited to bring a dish from your culture or country to share. This is a beautiful way to celebrate the diversity of our community through food, stories, and conversation.
Sharing food together helps us create a deeper sense of belonging, cultural appreciation, and connection.
Retreat Schedule
Arrival & Welcome
Families arrive, settle in, drum call and connect with the community.
Community Building Session
Creative arts, somatic practices, improvisation games, and breathwork facilitated by Michael and co-facilitated by Dr Bisi.
Creative Arts & Movement
Art, music, and movement activities led by our creative facilitators.
Community Lunch (Shared Meal)
Families share food together in the spirit of Ubuntu.
Tree of Life Therapy Workshop
Facilitated by Dr Bisi Showunmi, exploring identity, strengths, and hopes through creative reflection.
Closing Circle
Reflection, appreciation, and a collective closing to the day.
What to Bring / How to Prepare
To help you feel comfortable and fully participate in the activities, we recommend:
- Wearing loose, comfortable clothing suitable for movement and creative activities
- Bringing a water bottle
- Bringing a dish from your culture to share for the community lunch
- Coming with an open mind and willingness to connect
Create. Connect. Heal. Grow.
In the spirit of Ubuntu — because we flourish together.
Ubuntu in Action: Lunchtime, Playtime, Together
During lunchtime, children will have the exciting opportunity to enjoy our Adventure Playground — a vibrant and stimulating space designed for exploration, creativity, and active play. After we have shared our meal together, we will head outside as a community so children can climb, build, discover, and engage in fun adventures with their friends.
In the spirit of Ubuntu — recognising that “I am because we are” — parents and facilitators will help supervise the children, creating a supportive and caring environment where everyone looks out for one another. This shared responsibility helps ensure that the playground remains a safe, joyful, and inclusive space for all.
The Adventure Playground encourages confidence, teamwork, and independence while giving children the freedom to play, explore, and express their imagination. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to connect, build community, and allow children to relax, recharge, and have fun together.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Somerford Grove Adventure Playground, Park Lane Close, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
