Place-Based Changemaker Writing Retreat

The world needs more authentic stories about new ways of living, working and cultivating change. More practitioners need to be supported in their writing and curating of these stories.

Come and join us in a dedicated writing space for changemakers and practitioners who have been living and working in place for a long time, with so many rich stories about the ups and downs and reality of what it takes to do this work. But are struggling to make the space to develop and write them.

We know it’s intense doing this work - and takes so much - so come and be held by this regenerative land. Sometimes it takes stepping away from the place you live and work to have the perspective and insight to share the stories. 

It might be a blog or article, a whole series of stories or the beginnings of a book. It could be scoping  an audio or photo series and another way of bringing to life your experiences. Or you might not know what the format is yet, but you have the intention to write and would love a dedicated space and support to do so.

Louise and Anna invite you to join them 2-6 November 2026 for a writing retreat. We will lightly host the space, to support the writing process, which might include daily check-ins, as well as offer one-to-one or group coaching sessions where required as well as peer accountability and support.

Format

• A flexible schedule for you to make the time to write each day
• Daily group check ins - an opportunity to shape and craft what we need
• Options for 1-to-1 systems change coaching and writing support 
• Peer camaraderie and accountability for peers committed to this work from other places
• An opportunity to be held, nourished and away from day to day commitments

What's included

• A shared room to stay in beautiful surroundings with shared bathrooms (small number of en-suite rooms)
• A 1-to-1 coaching session to support you to craft your narrative & writing 
• Peer support and mutual learning environment
• A large room for us to gather plus smaller writing spaces
• Food and nourishment 
• All cleaning

What's not included

• Travel costs to the venue
• Any snacks and alcohol to be brought with you

When

Start time: Monday 2 November 2026 at 16:00

End time: Friday 6 November 2026 at 11:00

Where

42 Acres, Holt Road, Witham Friary, Frome BA11 5HL

42 Acres is our venue located near Frome in Somerset, that invites people to reconnect with nature, self and others and offers spaces for coliving, events and retreats. It has 173 acres of flora and fauna, including the ancient woodlands, swimming lakes and meadows with lovely local walks  in the area. We’ll be using the Farmhouse venue. 

You can find more information about getting to the venue on the 42 Acres Getting Here page.

The School of System Change is continually working to improve the financial accessibility of our offerings. We offer three rates including a few full subsidies and ask that you select the one that fits your financial situation. It is our hope that those able to afford the higher fees help us cover costs and support others to access the discounted rates.

Each rate covers a single occupancy room and food costs for self-catered meals (prepared by teams of participants). If cost is a barrier, we ask you to reach out for the shared room pricing (max 2 per room), and we will try our best to pair you with someone else looking for shared occupancy, if not a friend you are joining with.

Full rate: £675 GBP
For people in countries with strong economies, larger organisations and well-paid professionals. Your registration will help support others to participate.

Mid-rate: £550 GBP
For people in countries with moderate economies, small organisations (fewer than 10 employees) and individuals.

Fully subsided places
For people in need of financial assistance to support their learning. Only a few partial and full subsided places are available. To apply, fill in the form by the first week of September; we will confirm places by the last week of September.

For those who live in the area and are looking for a day writing retreat experience, we offer daytime only retreat fees. Please enquire for more information.

Early Bird Discount

Enter code EARLYBIRD at checkout for a 15% discount when you register before 1 August 2026.

Refund Policy

• Up to 3 weeks prior to departure: No refund
• 3-6 weeks prior to departure: 50% refund (minus £25 admin charge to cancel)
• 6 weeks or more prior to departure: Full refund (minus £25 admin charge to cancel)

Please note there is a £25 admin fee to amend your booking.

This is a starting collaboration between Louise Armstrong, Anna Birney and the School of System Change network. We’ve both been writing increasingly over the last few years individually and collectively. We’d love for this to become a shared endeavour with other people wanting the space to write and wanting to create the spaces for others to do the same.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Anna at [email protected]

Places are limited so we encourage you to sign up early. Enter code EARLYBIRD at checkout for a 15% discount when you register before 1 August 2026.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Anna at [email protected].

For a flavour of the experience and what to expect from the time together, we invite you to read some of the writings that have emerged from previous retreats.