Wellbeing: A FREE modern-day urban retreat with an on-site sanctuary opens at Gorton Monastery

A Sanctuary of Peace and Healing will open at the Monastery in Gorton, Manchester, providing a permanent modern-day urban retreat, with an on-site healing sanctuary. Who doesn’t need a quiet place to escape from the hustle, bustle and strain of daily life? Set up as a pilot project to support people in a post covid world, the project has been supported by a grant from The Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage.

This pioneering new service, heralded as a game changer in supporting people with mental health issues, has been co-created by the Trust’s team and in house psychologist and psychotherapist, in an effort to plug a gap in resources for those needing a place to come and be heard. A Listening Service is an inclusive, friendly space for anyone that wants an ear, whether that’s to talk through plans, problems or just ponder. The highly trained listeners will be available five days a week.

The Sanctuary will offer free counselling and listening services, will open every Sunday to Thursday with an hour’s silence from 12 noon.  Slots need to be booked via The Monastery’s website but there will also be group drop-in sessions on Tuesdays.

The Monastery’s Welcome Café, normal visitor tours, talks, community activities, heritage facilities, gardens and shop will be open as normal. Entry and parking is free. For more details and to book a listening session now, follow the link below.