Overcoming MS Retreats: measurable benefits, lasting change, real connection

Are you ready to take control of your health journey with MS? At an Overcoming MS Retreat, you’ll gain clear, usable tools around eating well, managing stress, keeping active and emotional wellbeing, with a focus on changes you can realistically maintain in everyday life.  You’ll meet a group of people who understand what it’s like to live with MS, and build lasting connections. 

Wherever you are right now, the Retreat provides practical support to help you live well with MS. 

I would urge anybody with MS or anybody caring for somebody with MS to attend this amazing retreat. Not only will you be armed with a tool kit to manage your MS but will also have an amazing support network for every stage of your MS journey for the rest of your life!” – Retreat participant 2026

What is an Overcoming MS Retreat?

• A Retreat starts with an online course delivered live in weekly sessions by qualified experts with lived experience of MS. These sessions will explore the lifestyle factors that impact MS in depth, and unpack Overcoming MS’ evidence based recommendations for healthy habits to build into your life.  

• This is followed by a three-day residential weekend, where participants take part in practical sessions to expand on your previous knowledge about healthy lifestyle, as well as exploring emotional wellbeing, whilst living with MS.  

• Throughout the Retreat, you’ll get to know a group of people living with MS, encouraging each other through the Retreat experience and forming a network of support that can last long after the Retreat ends.  

• You’ll leave with clear next steps, personalised ideas you can try at home, and tools to help you stay consistent over time so you can make evidence-based lifestyle changes that feel achievable in everyday life.  

Is a Retreat right for me? 

Our Retreats support people with MS who are new to making lifestyle changes, as well as those who want to take their understanding of healthy lifestyle behaviours to the next level. We also welcome partners and supporters of people with MS, to attend with their loved one.  

Please note that Retreats aren’t suitable for those who are awaiting an MS diagnosis or who have been diagnosed within the last year. Feedback from previous participants suggests that the Retreat experience is most valuable when people have had some time to process their diagnosis, adjust to what it means for them and feel ready to explore lifestyle changes in greater depth. 

How does an Overcoming MS Retreat support your health and wellbeing?

By attending a Retreat, you will explore the lifestyle factors that can impact your MS, and better understand Overcoming MS’ lifestyle change recommendations and the evidence behind them. With support from our expert Facilitators and your peers, you will build confidence to make these changes in your day to day life, building sustainable habits that lead to lasting change.  

What participants reported after our 2026 retreat 

• 34% average improvement in mental wellbeing immediately after the retreat. 
• 19% average improvement in physical wellbeing immediately after the retreat 
• 96% overall quality rating, with participants highlighting the opportunity to connect with others, expert facilitation and high-quality information. 

In September 2024, the Science and Research Committee accepted the Overcoming MS abstract, “Hybrid Retreat Model Supports Health Improvement in Multiple Sclerosis”, for presentation at the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine (BSLM) Conference. 

To learn more about the evidence behind our Retreat, click here.

What to expect at an Overcoming MS Retreat

Expert Guidance: Sessions are led by Program Facilitators who combine professional expertise with real-world understanding of what it’s like to live with MS.

Evidence-based learning: You’ll explore the Overcoming MS Program in a practical, grounded way, including diet, stress management and physical activity, with a focus on how to implement changes day to day.

Practical sessions: You’ll take learning off the page and into the real world through guided, supportive sessions. This may include a yoga flow, guided group meditations, meal planning workshops and more.

Time to go deeper into the topics you care about: Alongside the core Program, we’ll dig into ‘hot topics’ in MS research, with tailored discussions shaped by what you want to learn more about.

Reflection: There is space to explore difficult emotions safely and thoughtfully, with appropriate support, including how emotional wellbeing connects with living well with MS.

Community connection: You’ll meet people who genuinely understand. Many participants build lasting friendships and support networks that continue long after the retreat ends

Nutritious food: You’ll enjoy a fully catered menu designed in line with our evidence-based diet recommendations, with recipes available to take home for inspiration.

Hear from people who’ve been on a Retreat 

“I didn’t feel alone anymore, I felt I was surrounding need by people who just understood- it was like a huge family gathered where I was able to be me without feeling like I was the odd one out! A wonderful experience with wonderful people.” – Retreat 2026 Participant 

“ There is something very reassuring about spending time with people who truly understand the challenges of living with MS while also sharing hope and practical strategies for living well.” – Retreat 2026 Participant

Overcoming MS Retreat 2027

Venue: Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre, Milton Keynes, UK 

Online sessions: Weekly, starting 22nd March 2027 

Residential weekend: 7th – 9th May 2027 

Interested in attending the 2027 Retreat? Join our ‘interested’ list and we’ll let you know when applications open, along with details of how to secure your place: Register your interest