We are delivering the South West Neonatal Nursing Development Programme—a dedicated leadership and wellbeing programme for Band 6 and 7 clinical nurse leaders and practice education teams. Delivered in a residential outdoor activity centre, this programme provides a unique environment to develop leadership skills, foster resilience, and strengthen our neonatal nursing community.
Across two cohorts of 40 nurses, this immersive experience focuses on personal and professional development, ensuring that neonatal nurses feel valued, equipped, and empowered to lead with confidence and compassion.
The programme is structured over two days, each with a distinct focus:
Day 1: Focus on Self – Nurses explore their own wellbeing, self-compassion, and aspirations. We know that in order to support others effectively, we must first be able to regulate ourselves.
Day 2: Applying This to Others – Nurses shift their focus to leading with compassion, building supportive teams, and thinking systemically—all with families at the heart of their work.
Each day is structured around dedicated spaces designed to enhance different aspects of leadership and wellbeing:
Main Room – A central space for skill-building, increasing connectedness, and fostering a strong sense of community.
Promoting Safety & Calming Room – A space to experience wellbeing and practice relaxation techniques to help regulate stress.
Fostering Efficacy & Purpose Room – Small-group coaching and action-based learning to tackle real challenges in neonatal care.
Instilling Hope & Inspiration Room – A space for sharing best practices, innovations, and good news stories, inspiring nurses to take ideas forward into their practice.
Free-floating Support – Time for reflection, networking, and 1:1 support, ensuring that every participant gets what they need from the experience.
By combining structured learning with wellbeing-focused activities, this programme provides a truly holistic leadership development experience.
Our hope is the impact of this programme reaches far beyond these two days.
further developing a network of confident, resilient neonatal nurse leaders who will:
✔ Lead with greater self-awareness and emotional regulation.
✔ Strengthen teamwork and create psychologically safe environments.
✔ Implement practical leadership strategies that enhance neonatal care.
Places will be allocated in collaboration with Senior Nursing Teams.
Breakfast and Lunches will be provided
Dormitory style accommodation available free of charge