Julie has worked for over 25 years supporting those who are living with significant trauma, substance misuse and mental health difficulties and understands the complexities that can arise when people are trying to rebuild their lives.

Julie transformed her own life from someone who experienced significant trauma, used substances for many years to block this out and then fought hard for her own journey into personal recovery and into the world of employment. She went on to work her way through the employment system, training as a counsellor, child and adolescent therapist and EMDR Specialist along the way. She has managed several Women’s projects and is now the CEO of Plymouth’s drug and alcohol service, Harbour. Julie knows more than most how navigating life, recovery, bringing up children, the menopause and most recently, breast cancer, can take its toll on a woman in a senior leadership role.

At times she has wanted to give it all up and has lost her confidence in her ability to function in the workplace. Julie has started these retreats, to give women the opportunity to surround themselves with like-minded individuals. Circumstances and lifestyle might all differ, but women can come together as they share the same wish - to rejuvenate, relax and restore the relationship with themselves.