25 June 2026

Riverbank 2026: A peace of my mind

A photo of the Riverbank event team sitting down as a group alongside a photo of an attendee smiling in conversation and a photo of the worship group

Major David Betteridge and attendees report on Riverbank Women’s Conference 2026.

This year’s Riverbank Conference felt both relaxed and full of purpose from the beginning. What unfolded was far more than a programme of sessions – it became a powerful gathering of women ready to pause, encounter God and rediscover a sense of belonging. I found it genuinely exciting to see such a vibrant, intergenerational community come together with openness and honesty, creating space for real connection and encouragement. Time and again, it was clear something meaningful was taking place.

As the conference ended, there was a strong and shared sense that something significant had happened among us. Conversations carried on beyond the final moments, and many left not only encouraged but deeply renewed, with a clearer sense of purpose and practical ways to keep moving forward. Throughout the weekend, the Riverbank – flowing from the cross and reaching out across the stage – had become a simple but powerful place of response, where many stepped forward for prayer and encounter. In many ways, it came to reflect all that God was doing among us – steady, life-giving, and full of momentum. This was not simply the end of an event, but the beginning of something new – something people were ready to carry into everyday life.

A congregation of women singing. One has her hands up the sky while others close their eyes with their hands to their hearts.

To capture the weekend more fully, the voices of those who were there share their own stories and testimonies:

India-Mae Albie Photographer

Photographing Riverbank 2026 was a beautiful experience. Being there with my mum and her friends made it even better and it was good to get some insight into my mum’s spiritual journey. She loves the conference and I can see why!

It was also very meaningful to me that it takes place at the University of Warwick, which I graduated from eight years ago. I was reminiscing a lot about my great memories as a student there and making that journey there from London really made it feel like some kind of ‘retreat’.

Everyone was so kind, giving, loving and welcoming and I really enjoyed being in a space with so many women all there for the same good purpose.

Abigail Nyamakawo Team member

The theme was exactly what I needed, as I found my feet as a new team member. I experienced God’s peace guarding my heart and mind within the busy schedule, which I enjoyed. I felt safe and included from day one. The welcome, the sisterhood, and the care behind every detail was remarkable too. I learnt so much from organisational skills to welcoming delegates, meeting new friends and talking to anyone from any age group.

The prayers we undertook for every individual who attended reminded me that we carry each other. I left with a peace of mind, encouraged, grateful, lighter and proud to be part of this team.

Lucy Grimble Worship leader

Riverbank is an environment where you feel instantly welcomed from the first hello at reception. I've led worship for the past three years now and every year I look forward to arriving. I know I will meet with God, make new connections with loving, friendly women, and leave feeling uplifted and refreshed. This year was no exception, with a focus on reconnecting with God's peace. The talks, rest time and activities all helped me to feel relaxed and ready to receive from God.

A photo of the welcome desk at Riverbank 2026 alongside a photo of Liz Hall addressing the conference

Lydia Hughes Faithful Pages (faithfulpages.co.uk)

It was my first time having a stall at a conference, and I was so encouraged by how welcoming and supportive everyone was. It was particularly special meeting parents and grandparents who were choosing products to encourage the next generation of believers.

I’m not a Salvationist, although my family has Salvation Army roots spanning six generations, so being part of this event felt like a beautiful connection to them and their faith journey. I left feeling so uplifted and inspired, and I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of it.

Nataliia Moskovets Sutton

The Salvation Army is as vital to me as the Ukrainian community. While I shared a culture and a common pain with fellow Ukrainians, a powerful thread drew me to The Salvation Army, where I experienced unconditional love, biblical truths, the joy of prayer and an invitation to the Peace of My Mind conference which was a turning point. I realised that true peace is a divine gift available to everyone. To receive it, we must intentionally pause and listen to God’s gentle whisper.

A powerful takeaway was the quote ‘I am because we are’, mirroring Matthew 7:12: ‘Do to others what you would have them do to you.’ We truly need each other – in our families, communities and worldwide. I am here because you are.

Nataliya Semchyshyn Sutton

This was my first weekend away, a massive step out of my comfort zone. Thankfully, everyone coped, and the children are already asking when I am going again. At Riverbank, I felt absolute acceptance, where someone holds your hand when it feels too scary to look into the depths alone.

Studying counselling helped me recognise the emotional anchors of faith and here I finally separated psychology from spirituality – a huge breakthrough. I loved the movement class, celebrating uniqueness and giving me the right to my own kind of ‘abnormality’.

I brought a plant as a keepsake and, like my faith, it might not be perfect and I am still learning how to tend to it, but I am doing my best to let it grow.

For more about Riverbank and to listen to recordings from the main sessions at Riverbank 2024 and 2025, visit salvationist.org.uk/events/riverbank.