Earlier this year, members of the Focus Foundation team had the privilege of visiting one of our valued charity partners, Reuben’s Retreat; a sanctuary of hope and healing for families navigating the unimaginable loss of a child or caring for a child with complex medical needs.
Our CEO, Katie Gibson, was particularly moved by the experience. Reflecting on her visit, she shared:
“Hearing Nicola’s story and those of the families that echo her pain made me feel grateful for the family I have. Seeing the work Reuben’s Retreat does made me want to work even harder to support them in having an even greater impact.”
Founded in memory of 23-month-old Reuben Graham, Reuben’s Retreat has been a beacon of support for grieving families since 2012. Based in the northwest of England, the charity provides bereavement counselling, respite care, and community support to those navigating the deepest forms of heartbreak.
Thanks to a £4,000 grant from Focus Foundation, Reuben’s Retreat was able to deliver over 100 hours of specialist bereavement counselling, offering vital support to parents and siblings processing trauma and learning to cope with loss.
“Reuben’s Retreat helped me breathe again,” one parent shared. “They understood my pain in a way no one else could.”
More than just a place, Reuben’s Retreat is a community; a lifeline for families who need compassion, care, and the simple reassurance that they are not alone.
At Focus Foundation, we are proud to support grassroots organisations like Reuben’s Retreat, whose work is making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. With no government funding, they rely entirely on the generosity of donors and partners to continue their critical mission.
To learn more about Reuben’s Retreat, visit reubensretreat.org.
To explore how Focus Foundation supports communities like yours, visit focusfoundation.org.uk.
Focus Foundation: Connecting communities and empowering grassroots charities to thrive.
