Artful Wellbeing - Artful Retreats

03/07/2026

With colours and pencils in hand, those who dedicate their lives to caring for others explored what it means to care for themselves. Crete, June 2026

19/06/2026

Research-backed arts-based programmes are helping UK healthcare professionals reduce burnout, strengthen resilience, and improve wellbeing. Creative approaches are not a luxury—they are an evidence-based resource for supporting those who care for others.

Burnout among NHS staff continues to be a major concern in the NHS.

High-quality research published in the British Medical Journal Public Health has highlighted that carefully implemented art therapy programmes could offer a valuable form of support for healthcare staff at risk of burnout.

What was learned from the study, and what could it mean for supporting NHS teams in practice?

🔗 Read more: https://baat.org/publications/insight/summer-2026-nhs-special/supporting-people-who-care-art-therapy-and-clinical-burnout/

14/06/2026

What happens when 40 people whose role in the corporate world is to care for others, come together to explore Resilience with Mindfulness and Creativity?

At first glance, it might sound like a challenging task. Yet what unfolded under the facilitation of Despina Yannouli and Penny Orfanoudaki was something entirely different—a vibrant blend of perspectives, strengths, creativity, and connection.

Together, we wove our individual experiences into a collective exploration of what it means to be resilient, not as isolated individuals, but as a community. There were moments of insight, moments of reflection, and plenty of colorful expression along the way.

And perhaps most importantly, there were giggles. Lots of them.

A beautiful reminder that resilience isn’t only built through struggle; it can also emerge through pause, play, curiosity, shared wisdom, and genuine human connection.

Thank you to everyone who brought their openness, courage, and unique colors to the experience. Together, we created something far richer than any one of us could have created alone.

07/06/2026

A week has passed since our Creative Pause Retreat in Crete, and I still find myself smiling as I think of the people, conversations, creativity, laughter, and moments of insight we shared.

I feel deeply grateful for each person who brought their unique presence to the group and helped create such a warm, trusting, and inspiring experience. There is something special that happens when people come together with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to explore.

Thank you for making these days so meaningful. The memories — and the inspiration — remain. 💛

Thank you Despina Yannouli of Unbox Happiness for guiding us gently to Mindfulness

Thank you for sharing your patience filled way into Natural Inks

Thank you and Eleni Athirnari of Cook4you.gr for the delicious nourishment.

31/05/2026

Nothing can compare with the excitement and the vibrance of the first day🌟 a super star group!

09/03/2026

- a celebration of Mindfulness and Creativity with a wonderful group of 50 amazing women made this year’s Women’s Day truly unforgettable. Thank you amazing people for sharing your uniqueness. With Despina Yannouli and Penny Orfanoudaki