In a world glowing with screens but dulled by disconnection, two wellness business owners in South-West Wales are inviting people to step into ancient rituals, seasonal rhythms, and human connection as a regenerative response to the UK’s silent loneliness epidemic.
Kathy and David Sanderson, founders of Community Camping and Healing Gatherings, have transformed 25 acres of wild, overgrown land into Quartz Mountain, a sanctuary for those seeking rest, ritual, and real community.
High on the hills of Mynyddcerrig, they offer something increasingly rare: a space to feel seen, supported, and rooted in something deeper than WiFi. This winter, the Sandersons are offering two seasonal retreats designed to spark connection beyond likes and viral posts.
A recent *WeCovr report confirms the cost of disconnection: more than one in five Britons now live in chronic loneliness, a health risk equal to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, with a projected lifetime burden of £4.2 million per affected household through illness, lost income, and long-term care.
“The stats don’t lie,” says David, a qualified sound healer and retreat facilitator. “We’re seeing this crisis all the time with parents, carers, professionals, and people who’ve held it all together for so long who are burned out and craving something real. Connection is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s essential.”
The Winter Solstice Day Retreat on Sunday 21 December marks the turning of the year with intention, reflection, and celebration. Held on Quartz Mountain in Mynyddcerrig, this one-day retreat invites guests to gather at sunrise for a cacao and intention ceremony, followed by men’s and women’s circles, guided meditation and reflection. A seasonal brunch and feast lunch are served alongside warm spiced apple cider made on the land, before closing the day with a deeply restorative sound bath.
“The Winter Solstice means so much for everybody, even if they don’t know it,” comments Kathy, a qualified energy healer and Soul Realignment Practitioner. “It’s the day the sun returns, the moment we’ve moved through the darkest time and the light begins to grow again. Winter can feel like such a long, lonely gap, and this retreat is our way of keeping that connection alive, a space where we can be together, breathe, and remember that the light always returns.”
For those who can’t reach the mountain, the couple are taking a taste of it to the public with their Healing from Within range of small-batch teas, tinctures, and wellness gifts made on-site. They’ll be appearing at Moody Meadows Christmas Craft Fair on 29 and 30 November and The Frost Fair is at The Orangery, Margam Park on 14 December.
“These fairs give us a way to share what we grow and make with love,” concludes Kathy. “Every blend, balm, and brew is created right here on the mountain. Whoever you are and wherever you live, we want to help bring peace and grounding home with you. Because in the darkest season, healing is still possible, and the light always returns.”