The R&R Sanctuary - Where You Can Simply Be You

Aim: To create a safe & beautifully calming sanctuary in York, a warm & welcoming base where women can come any time to feel calm & not alone.

The R&R Sanctuary – Where You Don't Have To be Anything But You

Our Story: Why We’re Doing This

Rant & Ramble was founded by Leesa Collinge and Victoria Cain, two friends brought together by heartbreak, grief and the desperate need for something real.

After Leesa lost her mum to lung cancer and Victoria went through an overwhelming breakup, we found themselves emotionally lost.  There was no support, no clear place to turn, so we started to walk and talk.

We’ve been failed.

By systems that are overstretched. By services that are silent.

By a world that tells everyone to keep going, even when they’re breaking inside.

We started Rant and Ramble as a simple walking group, a space to walk, talk and let it out.

But what we uncovered was heartbreaking:

There is nothing in York offering real, accessible support for people in emotional or mental crisis.

We’ve walked beside people who are:

• Having breakdowns with no one to turn to
• Living in abusive homes with nowhere safe to go
• Grieving, anxious, burned out, and completely alone
• Struggling with the stresses of everyday life and just want to let it all out

There is no safe space to just show up and be held.

No place to cry, to breathe, to rest, or to simply say: I’m not okay.

So we’re doing something about it.

Our Vision

We’re crowdfunding to open The Rant and Ramble Sanctuary, a warm, welcoming, peaceful space where anyone can come anytime.

No referrals. No pressure. No pretending.

Just a cosy corner of the world to sit, chat, breathe, laugh, cry or do absolutely nothing at all.

Think of it as a space that feels like a hug.

A home away from home.

Beautifully decorated, calm, and full of heart.

Yes it’s here for people in crisis.

But it’s also here for anyone who is tired, busy, burned out, curious, creative, or just fancy a cuppa and some good company.

There’s no need to explain yourself, you’re welcome just as you are.

We’re creating a place with no judgment, no expectations, and no red tape, just warmth, connection, and the kind of peace you didn’t know you needed.

What We’re Funding

Your donations will help us:

💖 Create the Rant and Ramble Sanctuary – a cosy, calm space open to everyone in need of support, rest, and connection.

💖 Subsidise wellness retreats – so everyone has the chance to heal, no matter their financial situation.

💖 Launch an emergency fund – for people in immediate crisis who need practical, urgent help.

💖 Offer creative healing sessions – like journaling, breathwork, art therapy, women’s circles, and sound baths.

💖 Build a healing library – with books, affirmations, and free wellbeing resources.

💖 Train peer supporters – empowering our walk leaders and community to become Mental Health First Aiders.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just a building.

It’s a lifeline. A community. A rebellion against silence and shame.

It’s for people who can’t carry the weight anymore.

The person who needs to cry without apologising and just wants to feel seen.

We’re creating what’s missing and we’re asking you to stand with us.

Because when we walk beside each other, we rise together and Amazing things happen!

Lots of Love

Leesa & Victoria 

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Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 12th August 2025 at 12:52am