Recognising the healing that happens when rites of passages are remembered
We provide a safe, confidential and compassionate space where individuals can remember ancient rites of passage work which were once fundamental to community cohesion
Our work with elders in the community
At the Sisters of the Rose, we believe that every human life is shaped by a series of thresholds. Birth. Adolescence. Partnership. Parenthood. Loss. Leadership. Eldership. Death and rebirth. For thousands of years, communities recognised these moments as sacred rites of passage—times when people were guided, witnessed and supported as they transitioned from one stage of life into the next. These initiatory experiences helped individuals develop resilience, identity, purpose and a deep sense of belonging. Today, many of these traditions have disappeared. People are often expected to navigate life's greatest transitions alone, without ceremony, mentorship or community. We believe this has contributed to growing disconnection—from ourselves, from one another and from the wisdom that has always guided human development. Our mission is to restore rites of passage as a living practice for modern life. Through programmes, ceremonies, retreats, storytelling, education, leadership development and community initiatives, we create spaces where individuals and communities can consciously navigate change, honour life's transitions and emerge with greater clarity, resilience and purpose.
Through our community programmes we facilitate workshops and events that encourage elders to share their personal narratives. Our work is designed to be inclusive and supportive, providing a space where individuals can connect, heal and grow together. Through storytelling, we address individual wellbeing and support the fosterning of a sense of community, resilience and cohesion.
Why we do this work:
1. To restore meaning to life's transitions
2. To rebuild connection across generations
3. To build a more conscious future
4. To cultivate belonging and community
5. To preserve wisdom and inspire legacy
How we work
Guide
We create safe, intentional spaces where people can navigate life's transitions with support, structure and purpose through modern rites of passage, education and ceremony.
Witness
We believe transformation is strengthened when it is seen and shared. Through community, storytelling, mentorin, and meaningful connection, we ensure no one has to walk life's greatest thresholds alone.
Legacy
We help individuals preserve their stories, embody their wisdom and inspire future generations through publishing, podcasting, leadership development and intergenerational programmes that create lasting impact.
Working with the community to combat anxiety and depression
Inspiring change and challenging misconceptions around mental health and wellness.
In August 2023, we were over the moon to be awarded funding to contribute towards the Mindfulness walking group and Anxiety programme at Nuneham Courtenay Arboretum.
Working with Sisters of Rose at Harcourt Arboretum
We were very pleased to be able to partner with The Wellbeing Generation to provide a course of mindfulness-based sessions for six young people who were finding it difficult to engage with schools. The Life Coach, Lana, worked with us to develop sessions utilising different paths and areas of the Arboretum, providing the most appropriate natural setting for each session. In each session, Lana focused on a different sense: sight, sound, touch, scent and taste, enabling young people to reduce their anxiety and build their resilience by focusing on details of the beauty of the natural world that surrounds us and drawing inspiration from it. All the young people, and their parents and carers, reported an uplift in mood and reduction of anxiety as a result of their participation. As a result of this success, we are planning to run a further course in spring 2024.