A weekend of connection, creativity and confidence: Flat Friends Annual Weekend 2025

Over 70 women came together on a sunny Friday afternoon in Leamington Spa for the Flat Friends Annual Weekend – an uplifting, laughter-filled get‑together that’s become a highlight of our year.

Welcomed in the hotel reception by trustees Odile and Sarah, around a third of the group were first-timers. But at Flat Friends, it only takes about an hour before you can’t tell who’s new, the kindness and warmth of this community breaks the ice in no time. Over the next 48 hours, stories were shared, advice swapped, hugs exchanged, and lifelong friendships forged.

 

Friday: New faces, familiar smiles, and a barbecue welcome

After checking into their rooms, everyone gathered for a barbecue and ice‑breaking games in the bar. Laughter quickly filled the space as conversations flowed and nerves eased.

For dog lovers, this year’s weekend was extra special, as we were joined by Lunar the Assistance Dog and Nala from the Creative Culture team, both of whom proved very popular (and very well treated, thanks to dog biscuits from the hotel team!).

 

Saturday: Learning, laughter and The Big Flat Quiz

Saturday was packed with workshops and activities designed to support, inspire and empower women living flat after a mastectomy:

• Crafting with Janet and Annette
• Strength training led by Carolyn Garritt (author of Get Your Oomph Back)
• Scar therapy with Claire Stone
• Dressing Flat with Sarah and Debbie, joined by guest speakers Sam from Boost, Katy Marks from Unobra, and the Bravissimo team
• A talk from Dani Binnington of Menopause and Cancer
• The charity’s annual report, presented by trustees Sarah, Odile and Nicky

 

 

Throughout the day, Boost, Unobra and Bravissimo were on hand with items for sale and advice, and we were thrilled to welcome Sue (Boost Sam’s mum and the inspiration behind the Boost breast form) for the first time!

There were also personal portrait sessions with Sam Dade (Creative Culture) running late into the evening, and our popular Stash Sale, where preloved clothes, bras, breast forms, books and craft supplies found new homes.

The evening entertainment brought everyone together for a fun game hosted by Josie (where everyone was a winner!) followed by The Big Flat Quiz of the Year.

 

Sunday: Calm moments and creative memories

Sunday morning offered a moment of calm with an essential oils masterclass for sleep and relaxation from Rachel CK, followed by an outdoor photoshoot with Sam to capture more special memories. After lunch, it was time to start saying goodbyes — always hard, but softened by the knowledge that new friendships and stronger connections had been made.

More than just a weekend

Our Annual Weekend is also a valuable time for our team of Regional Coordinators to meet face-to-face, share ideas and plan how to keep building local support across the British Isles. Thanks to this energy, our volunteer team has grown again this year – from new content creators and advisors to regional coordinators and even trustees (news on that coming soon!).

The whole weekend was made possible by months of hard work from trustee Odile, who has been coordinating these weekends for three years, and the superb team at Woodland Grange, whose hospitality and delicious food kept us smiling.

Flat Friends subsidises places so that cost is never a barrier to attending, and single occupancy rooms and all daytime meals and refreshments are part of the package.

 

Flat Friends is a charity supporting women who are deciding, choosing or have chosen to live without reconstruction after a mastectomy because of breast cancer. 

At the heart of everything we do is connection: sharing experience, friendship and reassurance that no one has to go through this journey alone.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this year – and if you’ve never been, we hope to welcome you next time!