Joyland Carers Retreat Respite Services
All Carers need a break
I’m Ellen Slater and I have been a carer for my entire life.
I have completed a Masters of Counselling and clinical courses in Family Therapy and supervision, a Diploma of Ministry, a Bachelor of Counselling, and I have been awarded the “Golden Key” from the University of New England, Armidale. Whilst studying and also caring for my late husband I operated a successful private practice and support groups from home.
Later I became Senior Counsellor and Manager, Counselling & Advocacy, at Carers Queensland and could assist more people.
Joyland Carers Retreat is located 300 metres from the beach at Korora, just 9 minutes north of Coffs Harbour. It is a purpose built retreat with two double bedrooms for carers, separate bathroom and toilet, a media room fully stocked with DVDs, a library, and comfy lounge and chairs to listen to the vast array of music.
Here you can totally relax from your caring role to self-care in a restful and peaceful atmosphere. You’ll enjoy home cooked meals and days to sleep and rest, chat, laugh, relax or soak in a French tub. You can spend your time driving through the country, enjoying picnics on the beach, or taking in the delights of Coffs Harbour. Or, you can simply dream and rejuvenate your energy.
My home is your home. We can accommodate couples, individuals and post carers. We also welcome paid carers and hospital clients who need to recuperate. We can organise pampering sessions including massage, facials, manicures and pedicures, as well as private counselling appointments.
Organisations can make referrals to us knowing that a fully qualified counsellor is always in attendance.
I totally understand the caring role as I have lived it and welcome you all to your Carers Retreat – Joyland Carers Retreat.
I arrived and was greeted by Ellen and was taken under her wing, from then on I was in a different frame of mind. I had time away from the overwhelming family who I love unconditionally. I had many relaxation times – massage, big bubble bath, quiet time to reflect on conversations with Ellen about my journey before now and what strategies the whole family can be involved in. I was explained some hard truth as well which I took on board and used in my day to day life . The part I wanted to talk about the most is how little things that are big things have changed at home , there is a feeling of new beginning thank you Joyland for making this possible.
The location is peaceful in a beautiful home. We were served delicious meals and given the opportunity to have quiet time to ourselves or to enjoy our hosts’ company. A couple of nights left us feeling refreshed and pampered. Joyland is just a short walk from the Beach.
I’m not sure any words I say about Joyland and Ellen can do them justice. For carers Joyland is an absolute blessing. To be looked after, listened to, understood and supported is worth more than it’s weight in gold. From events, morning teas, art therapy, massages and a whole bunch of laughs there’s something for every carer.
A well named place.. a true joy it is to be cared for by these lovely people in this beautiful setting, and as I have found, the caring doesn’t stop when you leave.
Wow!!! I arrived as one person and left as a completely transformed person rejuvenated. Thank you Ellen for coming and creating this sanctuary for carers. If you need a rest, understanding and pampering then please reach out to Ellen and book your stay. You will be thankful you did. The most amazing haven, thank you Ellen xx
So much thought and care has gone into the creation of this sanctuary for carers. It is absolutely gorgeous, welcoming, comfortable and relaxing. What an amazing woman Ellen is for making her dream a reality and how lucky we carers are to have this new resource in our area.
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