Our Story
In February 2017 we lost our 19 year old son. The loss was devastating and unlike anything we had ever experienced. We unwittingly became part of a national group of people, who have lost their sons and daughters to suicide.
Seven years on, and our lives have changed as well as our perspective on life and when you are thrown such a thunderbolt, you are forced to look at what really matters. And what really matters for us now, is how we show up for each other.
We are left with a deepened understanding of the need for authentic community that includes places of connection, healing and opportunities for change. This isn’t a time to hide or withdraw, but a time to become curious, to discover our voice, to find our vision and to become who we truly are. The world needs our unique gifts. And it’s for this reason that we decided to create a community interest company called 'The Village Soul Project', as a vehicle to offer opportunities to meet, grow and nourish each other.
We have been blessed to have found a great Studio in Ashburton to base our work, and to host some of our offerings. We are now opening our new Studio space for hire to good folk who are working with people in the areas of personal change, growth and creativity.
We are proud to be part of a growing community of new enterprises at the Old Umber Works, in Chuley Road, Ashburton, that comprises a number of community based ventures including a soon-to-open whole food shop and a Saturday makers' market.
The year ahead is looking exciting. We are hosting workshops in Conscious Voice, Mindfulness and Compassion and Family Constellations, as well as having feasts, talks and small exhibitions. We will be part of the Ashburton Arts Trail at the beginning of June.
Our website will feature our evolving calendar of events and you can sign up for our mail list to be kept informed.
So if you are a facilitator or a creative, looking for a place to hire for days, weekends or evenings, call us for a chat or meet for a cuppa. Anthony or Paloma at thevillagesoulproject@gmail.com
The Village Soul Project, The Old Umber Works, Chuley Road, Ashburton, Devon TQ13 7DH
Anthony Johnston
Anthony runs workshops and retreats in the UK and Europe using the natural singing voice and authentic communication as tools for embodied personal expression.
He has been running his Awakening the Voice workshops and Singing in the Wild retreats for over 25 years, in the UK and Europe.
He is founder and musical director of the Borjghali Georgian Choir who have performed in Georgia, Spain and the UK. To see more about Borjghali click here
Paloma Suárez
I love groups, as a teacher and a holder of spaces to grow. I also love being part of groups, and the magic that happens when people get together in a common-union.
I feel that now is the time to come together, as the world seems more and more uncertain we need to create spaces where we can meet and share.
Now The Village Soul Project is an expression and a vehicle to express love and grief and to come together in the best we have as humans ”celebrating life”
Life has given me many gifts, some of them through personal tragedy and grief,
I share some of those through my craft, meditations and courses.
You can find me at palomasuarez.org