Youth Interfaith Leadership Retreat
The Youth Leaders Interfaith Retreat concluded at the ASHA Centre in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, where 16 inspiring young men and women aged 18 to 35 gathered to strengthen the UK’s interfaith movement. This cohort of emerging leaders engaged in a transformative week of mindfulness, contemplative practice, and intensive training in dialogue and multi-faith social action.
A significant milestone of the residency was a dedicated day of collaborative design, where participants developed innovative, faith-led strategies to address violence against children and young people. By participating on an equal footing and sharing a commitment to mutual respect, these new leaders have returned to their communities equipped with the practical tools and reinforced solidarity necessary to champion a more peaceful and cohesive society.
The Asha Centre
The ASHA Centre, located in the heart of the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, is a renowned retreat and education centre dedicated to personal development, interfaith understanding, and social action. Set within a beautiful and tranquil natural environment, the centre provides a transformative space where people from around the world gather to engage in mindfulness, sustainable living, and peacebuilding initiatives. Through its unique blend of artistic, contemplative, and community-focused programmes, ASHA—which means “Hope” in Sanskrit—strives to empower individuals, particularly young leaders, to create positive change and foster a more harmonious and inclusive global society.