In a world glowing with screens but dulled by disconnection, two wellness practitioners in South-West Wales are inviting people to step into ancient rituals, seasonal rhythms, and human connection as a regenerative response to the UK’s silent loneliness epidemic.
Kathy and David Sanderson, founders of Community Camping and Healing Gatherings, have transformed 25 acres of wild, overgrown land into Quartz Mountain, a sanctuary for those seeking rest, ritual, and real community.
High on the hills of Mynyddcerrig, the Sandersons are offering two seasonal retreats designed to spark connection beyond likes and viral posts. The early bird ticket of £75, available until 29 October, covers a full day of guided healing, seasonal food, and soulful connection on Quartz Mountain. But what’s truly priceless is the space it offers: to slow down, feel seen, and reconnect with something deeper than WiFi.
The Winter Solstice Day Retreat on Sunday 21 December marks the turning of the year with intention, reflection, and celebration. Guests gather at sunrise for a cacao and intention ceremony, followed by men’s and women’s circles, guided meditation and reflection. A seasonal brunch and feast lunch are served alongside warm spiced apple cider made on the land, before closing the day with a deeply restorative sound bath.
“The Winter Solstice means so much for everybody, even if they don’t know it,” comments Kathy, a qualified energy healer and Soul Realignment Practitioner. “It’s the day the sun returns, the moment we’ve moved through the darkest time and the light begins to grow again. Winter can feel like such a long, lonely gap, and this retreat is our way of keeping that connection alive. A space where we can be together, breathe, and remember that the light always returns.”
Earlier in the season, on Friday 22 November, the Womb Healing Day Retreat offers women another powerful space to reconnect through guided ceremony, herbal wisdom, meditation, and sound.
“So many women carry unspoken stories of birth, loss, shame, and creativity,” Kathy explains. “This retreat is about making space to honour, release, and begin again together.”
A recent WeCovr report confirms the cost of disconnection: more than one in five Britons now live in chronic loneliness, a health risk equal to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, with a projected lifetime burden of £4.2 million per affected household through illness, lost income, and long-term care.
“The stats don’t lie,” comments David, a qualified sound healer and retreat facilitator. “We’re seeing this crisis all the time, with parents, carers, professionals, and people who’ve held it all together for so long. They’re burned out and craving something real. Connection is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s essential.”
For those who can’t reach the mountain, the couple are taking a taste of it to the public through their Healing from Within range of small-batch teas, tinctures, and wellness gifts made on-site.
They’ll be at Moody Meadows Christmas Craft Fair, Ysgubor, Bargoed Farm on 29 and 30 November, and at Frost and Flame: A Yuletide Magick Market, at The Orangery, Margam Park on 14 December.
“These fairs give us a way to share what we grow and make with love,” concludes David. “Every blend, balm, and brew is created right here on the mountain. Whoever you are and wherever you live, we want to help bring peace and grounding home with you. Because in the darkest season, healing is still possible, and the light always returns.”
High-resolution images, interviews, and review passes available on request.
Please contact Natalie Trice via natalietrice@natalietrice.co.uk