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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT RETREAT

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Empowerment Through Deep Listening:​

Cultivating Inner Resilience and Empathy

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Friday to Monday
02-05 MAY 2025
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with Annabel Park & Helen Selka 
Co-Founders of The People Project
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​​​​​​​Maximum 12 places

If you would like to be on our waiting list or mailing list for future dates, please email us.

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THE EXPERIENCE

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“This has been the best learning experience of my life, and so enjoyable.” Neil Calderwood, Trainee GP

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Come and spend three spacious days on the peaceful island of Lambay learning to deepen your listening skills and connect better with yourself and others. 

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This training is both for professionals for whom listening to clients is a key part of their work and also for anyone who is curious about the power of listening.  It combines the retreat experience with a new set of practical tools.​

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You will have the unique opportunity to stay in stunning buildings designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, one of the most significant architects of the 20th Century whose unique style reflects his own ability to listen deeply to and understand the natural environment.  Lutyens was a regular visitor to the island and a great friend of the owners Cecil and Maude Baring.  Together with Lutyens, this extraordinary couple turned Lambay into a beautiful home and destination for creative and bold minds.

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“The way you held the sessions with such lightness, humour, joy and sincerity has been astounding. This will come with me through my life.”

- Jess Zollman, Junior Doctor

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“At work, to be able to lead with compassion is very powerful.  I’m determined to put it into practice as much as I can… I think this is so powerful and can enhance the HR dimension in an organisation.”

Monica Folch Giro, International Contracting Office Manager, MSF International

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“The whole experience for me was deeply aesthetic in the very best way – obviously the Island, the nature and the buildings and care taken in everything.”

- Prue Chiles, Professor of Architectural Design Research

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The course includes:

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  • Experiential and interactive exercises in deep listening

  • Meditative and reflective methods and training

  • Interactive group work in pairs and small groups

  • Practical guidances for integrating methods into your personal and professional relationships

  • Opportunities to explore the private island and embed the learning - the natural beauty of Lambay lends itself to contemplation and helps to recreate a sense of island peace within ourselves

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The island chef will prepare delicious and nourishing food for us to enjoy together over the three days.

 

This is an experiential training and places are limited, so early booking is advised.

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YOUR FACILITATORS

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ANNIE PARK

Co-Founder of The People Project

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Annie is an English graduate with a wealth of experience in Humanitarian Aid and Development.  As Head of Learning and Development for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Barcelona, she trained multi-cultural groups and teams all over the world's hotspots in leadership, team dynamics and communication.

 

More recently she has turned her training, coaching and facilitation skills to the business sector, whilst retaining a deep interest in the 3rd sector.

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Qualifications

  • Sheffield Hallam University: MBA

  • University of West England: Diploma in Executive Coaching (ILM level 7)

  • AOEC: Certificate in Systematic Team Coaching®

  • Institute of Group Analysis: Diploma in Group Analytic Psychotherapy

  • Action Learning Associates: Action Learning Facilitator

  • Deep Listening (ACDLT®) Accredited Trainer

 

HELEN SELKA

Co-Founder of The People Project

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Helen is a graduate of modern languages and RADA trained.  Her interest lies in the unfolding and shaping of narratives; in organisations, in her coaching work and as a documentary film maker.

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Her experience at Board level includes strategy, business planning, acquisitions, branding and new business unit start-ups.  She currently sits on the Family board of a group which includes Reliance Precision and Reliance Precision Manufacturing Ireland (www.reliance.co.uk).  Helen is also on the Board of the Women Over 50 in Film Festival (www.wofff.co.uk).

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Qualifications

  • RADA: Acting Diploma

  • Tavistock Consulting: Systems Psycho-dynamic Coaching

  • AOEC: Certificate in Systemic Team Coaching®

  • Action Learning Associates: Action Learning Facilitator

  • Deep Listening (ACDLT®) Accredited Trainer

  • Institute of Group Analysis: Foundation Course in Group Analytic Psychotherapy

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Awareness Centred Deep Listening was developed twenty years ago as a training by psychotherapist and Buddhist Rosamund Oliver, and it is now taught internationally by a team of accredited trainers.  It is a simple yet powerful method, based on modern psychology and ancient contemplative traditions, and supports listeners to use their innate awareness and insight whilst listening to both others and themselves.

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Awareness Centred Deep Listening is now widely taught in professional settings.  Courses are offered to doctors and trainee doctors at universities in Holland, The Netherlands and France.

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REGISTRATION & COST

€1,347 ~ €1,647

Includes Lambay boat transfers, accommodation, all meals, regular refreshments, all workshops and so much more – further details below.

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FURTHER DETAIL ON PRICING & PACKAGES

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Luxurious island accommodation for 3 nights and 4 days on the private isle of Lambay

  • All deep listening coursework, exercises and training led by Annie and Helen

  • Delicious and nourishing home-cooked meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) throughout the retreat

  • Morning and afternoon refreshments (tea, coffee, homemade cakes, fresh fruit)

  • Use of island wi-fi, sitting rooms, library, gardens, and local know-how

  • Tea/coffee, herbal infusions and soft drinks available all day (self-serve)

  • Lambay private boat transfers at beginning and end of your retreat

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WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Onward travel outside of the boat transfers to/from Lambay Island

  • Travel Insurance (highly recommended as there will be no refunds for travel changes)

  • Extras or mainland expenses

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PAYMENT INFORMATION:

A non-refundable 30% deposit is included as part of your payment.  In the event that you have to cancel your attendance we will refund up to 70% of your payment, however if you cancel less than six weeks prior to the retreat, we will only be able to offer you a refund if we are able to fill your space.

 

Payment plans are available on request, with monthly instalments to help spread the cost.

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This is an experiential training and places are strictly limited to 12, so early booking is advised.

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More Questions?

For any queries about Lambay Island, the region or local travel info, please write to millie@lambayisland.ie

 

For any other questions about the retreat, please contact Annie at annabelpark@thepeopleproject.uk.com

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We are proud to have worked with the following brilliant organisations:

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SAMPLE SCHEDULE

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The boats to and from Lambay are tide dependent, so timings will vary for each retreat and will be communicated to you well in advance.  Here is an example schedule, subject to slight changes or shifts of activity times during the day:

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FRIDAY

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Meet at Gibney's of Malahide

Boat transfer to Lambay from Malahide Marina

Island welcome on the pier with Annie & Helen

Time to settle in, tea/cake/fruit 

Introductory workshop

Welcome drinks and dinner

SATURDAY

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Breakfast in the White House

The basic tools of Deep Listening

Light lunch

Listening exercises - putting it into practice

Afternoon tea

Reflection on the learning

Drinks and dinner

SUNDAY

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Breakfast in the White House

Generating Compassionate Connection

Lunch

Deep Listening exercises

Guided walk (optional) and free time to explore the island

Drinks and dinner

MONDAY

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Optional early morning coastal walk for seal spotting

Late breakfast in the White House

Deep Listening in Action

- wrap up, evaluation and closing

Boat transfer to mainland

Optional group lunch in Malahide (cost not included)

Return to Dublin Airport (for those with flights, we strongly recommend flights departing no earlier than 17:00)

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DELICIOUS MEALS

 

Lambay's seasonal chefs are renowned for their delicious meals and warm, relaxed hospitality style.  They use as much locally sourced produce as possible, including from the island itself.

Your weekend includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners, along with snacks and refreshments.

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Self-serve tea and coffee is available throughout your stay.

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For more general information about what to expect on Lambay including further information on accommodation, boat transfers, what to bring, etc, please return to the main Retreats page and scroll down.

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