Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to come to the whole thing?
Obviously we'd love you to join us for the whole 4 days and have tried to plan things so that most people shouldn't need to take more than 1 day of leave (arriving after work on Thursday and leaving Sunday afternoon), but we know that it might not be possible for a number of reasons. Please do speak to a member of the team if you are not able to attend the whole time and we can see what arrangements can be made to help.
Why do I have to pay? & What is 'Solidarity Pricing'?
We're asking people to put down a small contribution towards the cost of running the retreat for a few reasons. First as there are limited places available it helps us to know that people are serious about showing up. Secondly the budget is tight so it means we have a little bit of extra cash to help create some extra special surprises. We promise that even at the last minute pricing its still a bargain (we'll be spending roughly £400 pounds for each of you that come), if however you are struggling to pay please do reach out to us as we will happily help you to access one of our subsidised places. We know that some of you are also earning good money and might like to support another Alumn to attend. You can do this through our new system of Solidarity Pricing by selecting a more expensive ticket type than you need.
Will I need to share a room?
Yes - spaces are limited so most people will need to share a room with at least one other person. We know rest is important so don't worry - we'll provide the earplugs! The only exceptions will be if you need a wheelchair accessible room or have specific access needs. When you book your ticket you'll be asked some basic questions to help us plan including if you'd be happy to share a room, any access needs and any preferences you have for you might want to stay with. We'll do our very best to make sure we meet these.
Can I come if i'm under 18?
Sadly not this time. In order to make sure everyone is having the best experience and we're able to maintain all safeguarding requirements this trip will be over 18s only. If you're still 17 though - we promise that we'd love to have you join us on our next adventure.
Am I too old?
No! Well... unless you're like a 45 year old who has stumbled on to this site by mistake...
We know that in the past its been suggested that older Fellowship Cohorts might not be able to attend future residential activities run by TAA. We want to be really clear that Rest Is Resistance is open to anyone over 18 who has been part of the Fellowship or Spark programmes at any point in time. We'd love to see you!
What should I pack?
Definitely some clothes to chill, explore outdoors and maybe even things you'd want to party in. We'll send out a Packing List with the program nearer the time when we know exactly what you'll need - so keep an eye on your inbox.
How do I get there?
TRAVEL WITH US:
We will put on a minibus/coach from Brixton on the Thursday late afternoon & returning on the Sunday - if you would like a place on the coach please do select this option when booking.
MAKE YOUR OWN WAY:
By Public Transport: If we know you will be arriving by public transport we can arrange for your collection from the nearest station.
Nearest Train Station: Telford
Bus: The nearest bus stop is within 500 metres of the hostel. There is a frequent bus service which runs to this stop. A local taxi company can provide accessible taxis when booked in advance.
By car: YHA Ironbridge Coalbrookdale
1 Paradise, Coalbrookdale, Telford, Shropshire, TF8 7NR
Sat Navs don't always work in the Gorge so you can also use What 3 Words: trinkets.dips.conquest
We know that travelling can be pricey! If you will struggle to cover your transport costs please speak to us and we can reimburse you.
Is this just another TAA residential?
In a word - no. We love residentials for our programmes, but we've been listening really carefully through the Listening Campaign and Transformative Culture process to really understand what has and hasn't worked in the past. We know that Alumni haven't always had the best time at residentials and on trips like Berlin which is why we're wanting to do things a bit differently. When we say this is a retreat - we mean it. The planning team are hard at work to make sure you have real choice about how you participate, lots of downtime and socialising, an emphasis on how we care for ourselves and each other and plenty of fun! Plus we know you're all adults now and we want to treat you like it. Think of this more as the residential's slightly older, wiser and hopefully cooler cousin. If you have any concerns about any of this - we'd love to talk these through with you.
Will there be alcohol & smoking allowed?
As this is an adults only residential some alcohol will be made available while we are away. We do ask however that you respect the agreement we have with the venue and don't bring any of your own alcohol with you. For those of you who don't feel comfortable being around alcohol we will make sure that there are alcohol free times and spaces available throughout the weekend. Smoking will only be allowed outdoors in the designated smoking areas. Obviously no illegal substances will be allowed while we're away and as per venue policy you will be asked to leave early if these are found.