What do our guests gain from staying at Green Pastures?

On this page we plan to publish comments and testimonies from those who have benefited from their stay with us. If you would like to add your experiences to this page, please email them to us -we'd love to hear from you.

“I did appreciate the ’time out’ from a busy life – space to think, make new friends, to explore creativity and to remember God’s love for me and his constant presence and blessings in my life”
			“It was great to be able to rest and ‘chill out’ in a safe and prayful environment”
“The peace and quiet and especially the freedom and space to be me and meet with God in my own way”
		“I found this a very special place and most helpful for a short period of rest and reflection”
		More comments like this...

Retreat to Green Pastures: the views of a carer

My husband and I are full-time carers for our disabled son, and last November, we were fortunate enough to go to the Carers FIRST 3-day retreat to Green Pastures in Poole, Dorset.

The staff at Green Pastures were very welcoming and helpful, without being intrusive; the rooms were spotless; the food excellent. The house is set in a lovely garden, a short walk from the sea, and, of course, the beautiful countryside of Dorset.

Green Pastures is a Christian retreat centre, but welcomes visitors of any or no faith. My husband is not a Christian, and he felt totally comfortable at Green Pastures, under no pressure at all. The Pastoral Director of the Centre, Rev Colin Norris was available for anyone wishing to chat one-to-one. One morning, Colin gave an excellent presentation entitled 'Bruised reeds, flickering candles' about burnout, a problem common in today's hectic world, but particularly relevant for those of us who are carers. He stressed the importance of looking after ourselves, as well as the cared for person, and of taking 'time-out'.

I know how difficult it is to arrange respite care, but my husband and I really appreciated the rare time together as a couple, and also the times when we each 'did our own thing'. It was valuable to be able to step back from our caring situation and to re-assess our circumstances. Most of all, it was almost priceless just to 'be'.

[ This article first appeared in the 'Carers FIRST' newsletter, March-May 2008 edition ]

			“Interacting with staff and visitors – the atmosphere of acceptance and sensitivity to each other’s needs is a real blessing”
		“I felt very relaxed immediately on entering as the people here were so friendly. It was good to be in a peaceful place with like-minded people.”
				“Fellowship and being able to relax. The meetings in the chapel were most helpful and inspiring - thank you so much”
“Thank you for the love that is GP. I came needing rest and and TLC and I got both in abundance – thank you”