The Gather is an inspiring women’s community, founded by Deanne Oliver-Pickard in January 2022 off the back of coming out of the weirdness of lockdown and wanting to re-connect with wonderful women, to share stories, to find a tribe and to create a platform for solidarity and support.
MONTHLY MEET UPS.
The Gather hosts monthly meet ups at Flow State in Hove - opening up certain themes for discussion in circle and inviting in various guests to share their own journeys, their work and their insight to help support the topic.
The events are very informal, fun and enjoyable - drinks & snacks are provided as if you were sat in someones living room with a bunch of pals - laughter is always present, sometimes tears, a wealth of sharing, outpourings of love and support…there is always a segue off of the theme to a million other places, but always returns back to it. Each event has one thing in common...the pure unadulterated magic that occurs when women gather.
SEASONAL DAY RETREATS.
As well as the monthly meet ups, The Gather hosts seasonal women’s day retreats in Sussex with yoga & movement, beach stomps, sea swimming, cacao rituals, brunch, breath work, sound ceremonies and unity.
WILD WOMEN’S IMMERSION RETREATS.
Deanne also hosts longer 4 day wild woman immersive retreat experiences in Norfolk at The House Of Boheme retreat. All of the great stuff from a day retreat but spread over 4 luxuries days with incredible food, movement, breath, sound, hiking, sauna, beach stomps, wild swimming, open conversation, workshops, hot tub hangs and so much more!
THE PODCAST.
The Gather podcast was launched last year, as a way of showcasing and expanding on the conversations had in a little cosy space in Hove, inviting in some of the guests to join Deanne in chatting more about topics that need to be talked about and opening these up to a wider audience.
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FEMALE OCTOPUS - Dr Jenna Macciochi
THURSDAY 24TH APRIL 7PM - 9PM
After a fantastic launch of the Female Octopus series with Gem Ogsten from Mama Shrooms_last month, we’re back with the second instalment—this time diving into a key health tip and exploring how women can best support themselves holistically through mid-life.
I’m delighted to introduce my next guest: Dr Jenna Macciochi - an immunologist specializing in the intersection of nutrition, movement, mind-body practices, and lifestyle with the immune system in health and disease.
With a holistic approach to well-being, Jenna unpacks the science of staying well, offering practical, evidence-based strategies to optimize health.
Ever wondered how many supplements are too many? 🤷🏼♀️ Jenna just might have the answer!
A true octopus in her field, Jenna seamlessly balances a thriving career while being a mother to twins, the author of two seminal books—Immunity: The Science of Staying Well and Your Blueprint for Strong Immunity—and the Head of Innovation at the fast-growing Ancient & Brave.
I can’t wait to dive into conversation with Jenna, and I hope you’ll join us for what promises to be an inspiring and insightful evening! -
WILD LOVE: FLOURISH & FLOW
SATURDAY 31ST MAY
Step into the vibrant threshold between spring and summer with a day retreat designed to awaken your body and nourish your soul on Saturday 31st May.
As one season exhales into the next, we’ll begin with an open circle and embodied flow guided by Deanne at Flow State, attuning to nature’s shifting rhythm - softening, expanding, and welcoming the warmth of new possibilities.
We’ll take a mindful saunter to the beach, soaking in the fresh sea air before savouring a colourful, plant-based brunch together, lovingly curated by Anita at You Juice.
After feasting, we’ll take a stomp along the beach to Saunadelic…where we will enjoy the benefits of hot & cold contrast therapy…awakening the senses and invigorating the spirit with Faye as our sauna master. With an optional sea swim.
Then, reconnect with the elements in a nature-based meditation on the beach with Ruth - listening to the steady earth, expansive air, flowing water, and transformative fire as we honour the dance between seasons. We’ll remember that we ARE nature, and that returning to connection is returning home to ourselves.
Once revitalised from this experience and with further great chats & tea, we’ll stomp back towards the studio to breathe into further renewal with a conscious connected breathwork workshop, led by Ruth - allowing us to shake off old, limiting thought patterns and carry us into a deeply receptive space where your body’s wisdom and your intuition are easier to hear. Creating the spaciousness to dream from your heart…then seamlessly moving from breath into a Yoga Nidra guided meditation, resting in the soft liminal space of creativity and clarity.
Join us for this immersive day of movement, breath, nourishment, and connection - a celebration of wild love, flourishing energy, and the abundant flow of the turning season on the last day of Spring ☀️ -
SOLSTICE SOUTH DOWNS STOMP
SATURDAY 21ST JUNE
We’ve decided to create a fundraiser as part of Flow State’s endeavours to raise as much money as we can for War Child UK.
War Child is striving for a world in which no child’s life is torn apart by war. They protect, educate and stand up for the rights of children living in war zones.
It is breaking our hearts daily to see how many innocent children are being hurt or killed in the wars around the globe…
We want to do anything we can to help support and make a difference to these children’s lives.
Will you join me & my women’s community in walking the South Downs Way on Summer Solstice this summer?
We’ll gather for sunrise up on Devils Dyke on Saturday 21st June, then hike the 35ish miles up & over the infamous Way, taking in stunning scenery whilst enjoying open conversation with like-minded souls…we’ll stop for snacks, lunch & wees…then down into Eastbourne for a celebratory finish on the beach - possibly booking into a hotel for the evening to recoup?! If you’re with me!
Join us for a tonic of a day & help to raise as much money as we can for War Child 🫶🏼 -
GATHER & REESET: THE GOLDEN EQUINOX
17 - 22 SEPTEMBER
Join us for our next retreat experience in Mallorca this September for a transformative women’s retreat, where the golden light of late summer meets the balance of the Autumn Equinox.
This is a sacred time to pause, reflect, and realign as the seasons shift—an invitation to Gather in sisterhood, reset your energy, and step into a new chapter with clarity and purpose.
Nestled in Mallorca’s serene landscape, you’ll experience soul-nourishing rituals, embodied movement, deep rest, and connection. Through meditative practices, journaling, sound therapy and nature immersions, we’ll honor the Equinox’s harmony of light and dark, embracing renewal and inner balance.
Step into the Golden Equinox - a space for growth, reflection, and empowerment. It’s time to Gather, REESET and glow.
