An inclusive retreat for “adventurous, authentic, spirit-seeking” men from all walks of live who want to “create and live the life of their dreams” is to be held next month on Paget Island.

The Braveheart Men’s Movement is designed to be non-discriminatory, inviting males regardless of “age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or social standing while creating a space for unconditional acceptance to exist”.

Founded by Pete Saunders and Michael Miller, the four-day retreat is aimed at men who are “committed to designing their lives, to connecting to their true selves, to living in a bigger way and being of service to others”.

Mr Saunders told The Royal Gazette: “I have been involved in men’s work for over eight years now because the world does better when men are supported, loved, and are involved in community with other progressive men.

“Help a man heal his wounds, fulfil his dreams, and have some fun and he improves his family, community, and his own life. “These results come about from his increased awareness, and from him raising his consciousness. That is what Braveheart does. “Participants attend Braveheart retreats primarily because they are looking for what’s next in their life. They want clarity about their purpose, key relationships, and about their masculinity.

“A typical participant is usually going through some transition in his life. He might be between careers or want to change his career or business. He might be in a committed romantic relationship or committing to a romantic relationship and wants to “figure things out”.

“He might yearn to be in a community with other men, and want to experience genuine male friendships. He just wants to be a better man, to be happy.”

Braveheart men commit to expressing who they are through five levels — heart, body, mind, soul and voice.

A Braveheart retreat has a number of activities, gatherings and discussion and is supported by a team of coaches who help guide and counsel participants both in a group environment and on a one-to-one basis.

Larry Williams attended his first Braveheart retreat last April and it inspired him to train to become a retreat coach.

He said: “Men don’t get together very often on a spiritual level for want of a better word. To me, it was a fantastic opportunity. Most of the men were from the US — there were a handful of Bermudians too — and their reasons for attending were varied.

“Some were coming because they wanted to have a connection with fellow brothers, some were dealing with their own personal challenges or just needed to decompress.

“There’s a lot of fun and activities — we have a fire each night and everyone shares an experience on a personal level from the day which is held in the strictest of confidence.

"There are also opportunities for members to have one-to-ones with the counsellors that they don’t wish to share with everybody.

“I have 30 brothers who I didn’t even know before.”

This year’s retreat takes place from October 6 to 9 at Paget Island.

• To learn more about Braveheart or to sign up for an upcoming retreat, visit www.wearebravehearts.com