Refreshment UK is a charity dedicated to encouraging and equipping Christians. We encourage intimacy with God through retreating, then equip by providing the resources and opportunities to live out a life in mission.

For us, a retreat is about setting time aside in prayer, study and community to seek God, and in Blackpool, you can retreat at the Refresh Centre, a 14-bedroom residential centre where people live in community that feels like joining a family. Alongside the centre, Refreshment UK has a programme of activities – Refreshers - across the town where visitors can experience mission firsthand.

Refreshment UK has been running since 2012, and is led by Simon & Laura Cooper. They have been involved in itinerant ministry for over 20 years, both in the UK and overseas. They have a passion for facilitating retreats, as well as leading practical mission experiences.

Refreshers

In Blackpool, we encourage people to live a life of mission and get involved in Refreshers – a programme of activities that are developed to help refresh the body, mind, faith and community. During the week, we run activities that help:

• Maintain a healthy body through our weekly Refreshers fitness and badminton club;

• Keep your mind active by getting involved at Refresh Deansgate in the centre of Blackpool;

• Develop your faith in prayer and study at the Refresh Centre;

• Meet members of the community at support groups, outreach and social action.

Where we are

We do this from the Refresh Centre and we invite you to come and be part of life in Blackpool. You can visit us for any amount of time, either for a time of retreat and refreshing, or for a mission experience. You can get involved as much or as little of the programme as you would like.

Coming to the Refresh Centre is joining a community in a place that is set up for a simple life, but you will feel at home and looked after by Simon & Laura. Each bedroom has its own washing facilities, but bathrooms are shared. We encourage eating together and have a prayer room, teaching room and shared facilities. We operate on a faith-basis, and ask for donations in lieu of a stay with us.

Mission in the Centre on Blackpool

In the middle of Blackpool is Refresh Deansgate, which is a charity shop and hub that offers help and hope on the high street. On each weekday, the team, who are managing their own mental health, greet customers, sort out stock and look after each other well. The shop is managed by Julie, who takes great care of all of the team of volunteers. There is always work to be done there.

Running with Jesus

Simon, our CEO, manages Chronic Kidney Disease and does this by getting involved in running with two different purposes, which you are welcome to get involved with. On a Monday evening, we have a Refreshers track session, where people come to run, walk and socialise, using exercise to refresh the mind by refreshing the body. Simon also travels with others to run at events, wearing a custom-made shirt with a message from the Bible on the back. You can join in with that.