Restorative Leadership Retreat for Professional Nurse Advocates

If you're a Professional Nurse or Midwife Advocate, chances are you've been pouring yourself into others. You hold space, offer care, and are trying to build something meaningful in your Trust. But how often do you feel like you're doing it alone?

Many PNAs describe feeling isolated in their role. Maybe you're tired. Maybe you're running on empty. Maybe you're wondering when it will be your turn to receive what you offer to others. And maybe you're just desperate for a day to reconnect, restore and remember that you're not alone.

You will be in the company of an intimate, small group of other passionate, purpose-driven PNAs. You’ll spend time reflecting, resting, and recharging your body, mind and spirit. This is a rare opportunity to step out of your routine, share your story, and reconnect with the heart of why this work matters.

But it’s not just about deep reflection and emotional insight. This day is also about joy, lightness and laughter. We’ll make space for genuine connection, fun moments, and playful creativity. Expect a mix of inspiration and silliness, nourishment and warmth, serious insight and spontaneous laughter.

Over the course of 6 hours, we will we’ll journey through the following:

A gentle but powerful narrative practice that invites you to reflect on your personal and professional identity. Through artwork and storytelling, you’ll explore the roots that have shaped you, the values you carry, and the hopes that guide your work. This activity builds connection, insight and a sense of shared purpose.

We’ll enjoy a proper lunch together—no rushed bites at a desk. Afterwards, we’ll take a mindful walk along Brighton beach. This is a chance to step into the open air, connect with your senses, and enjoy the calming rhythm of the sea. You’ll be invited into stillness and reflection, without pressure or expectation.

Using body-based techniques drawn from psychology and contemplative practice, this session helps you tune into your needs from the inside out. You’ll learn how to notice tension, soften your inner dialogue, and reconnect with a sense of safety and ease in the body.

You’ll end the day by gently considering what taking care of yourself really looks like going forward. Through journalling prompts and an optional group reflection, you’ll be supported to articulate what you need, how you might ask for it, and how you can stay connected to other PNAs doing the same.

You don’t need to be creative, physically fit, or “good at mindfulness” to take part. You just need to show up, as you are.

You will walk away from this powerful experience with a renewed sense of energy and clarity about your role, a deeper connection to your own values, and practical tools for taking better care of yourself.

But perhaps most importantly, you’ll leave feeling less alone, having met like-minded PNAs who share your passion and understand your struggles.

This day is an invitation to build lasting relationships, grounded in mutual support, shared purpose and the kind of compassion you so often extend to others. Now, it’s your turn.

The retreat is led by Dr Nathan Illman, Clinical Psychologist and founder of Nurse Wellbeing Mission. Nathan has supported hundreds of nurses and midwives through restorative workshops, coaching and training, and is deeply committed to helping PNAs stay resourced, connected and inspired in their work. Expect depth, authenticity, and a good dose of humour.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

WRAP, 83 Queens Road, Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom