Applications are open and filling up fast for our 2025 family retreat. It will take place at Whitemoor Lakes, 30 minutes from Birmingham, on 29th to 31st August.

It’s open to families from the UK who have a child aged 6-15 years old with sickle cell and we invite the immediate family to attend, including siblings aged under 18

The retreat will be a holistic weekend full of education, adventures, learning and fun. We would love for you to join us!

Supported by a team of enthusiastic volunteers and experienced Sickle Cell Society staff members, your family will embark on a programme which includes educational seminars, adventure activities such as climbing, zipwire and archery, peer-to-peer support, relaxation-based activities – and, of course, a Saturday evening disco and Friday night stories around the campfire! All of this will be delivered in a medically safe environment which has been specifically designed with children with sickle cell in mind.

The retreat is free to attend if your family is selected, but you’ll need to make your own way there. Applications are still open, but will close in the next few weeks, so make sure you don’t miss the chance for your family to take part  : Apply Now

Here’s some of the feedback from the 2024 retreat :

“I’d like to express how meaningful the Sickle Cell Family Retreat was for my family. It provided essential support, reinforced the importance of community, and offered valuable insights into managing sickle cell anaemia.

The connections made were invaluable, and the retreat contributed to my son’s confidence and understanding. The high level of organisation and thoughtfulness in every aspect of the retreat made it a truly enriching experience.”

– Parent, Family Retreat 2024-

“My son was so happy to meet other children his age with the same condition as him, he has felt isolated in the past with his condition. The activities were great, he came back with more knowledge of his condition.

Honestly a great weekend”

– Parent, Family Retreat 2024-

Apply now : Sickle Cell Family Retreat 2025 Application