More About Barretstown

Barretstown's mission is to rebuild the lives of children affected by serious illness, and their families, through a life changing Therapeutic Recreation programme in a safe, fun and supportive environment. We believe that every child with serious illness should enjoy their childhood.

Therapeutic Recreation at Barretstown Barretstown adopts a holistic approach to its programme recognising the impact of serious illness on the family. We provide a unique Therapeutic Recreation programme through a fun, activity based process of challenge, success, reflection and discovery – backed by the medical world - which helps children affected by serious illness regain their confidence and self-esteem and which has become internationally recognised as having a profound and positive impact on their lives. After taking part in one of our programmes, children go home with more confidence, self-esteem and more importantly, the reassurance that happiness is not just for healthy children. Barretstown adopts a holistic approach to its programme recognising the impact of serious illness on the family. That’s why we also run sessions for siblings, for the whole family and bereavement programmes.

Benefits for Child

In many cases children and teens affected by serious illness have been denied the ordinary experiences of growing-up. The psychosocial support Barretstown offers enables children to make real changes in their lives as they discover greater self-esteem, confidence, independence, trust, friendship and coping skills. Our programmes help them to discover the courage they need to undertake the difficult journey of their illness and its treatment, and to encourage them to take part more actively in their own recovery process.

Benefits for Family

Barretstown provides weekend breaks for families where all day-to-day needs are met, so that they can concentrate on relaxing, having fun and spending time together. The weekend is a chance for families to take part in activities, spend time with their partners and time together as a family in an idyllic setting. Parents can choose to take part in the activities if they wish to do so or just watch their children having fun.

Benefits for Siblings

For many children the trauma of their brother or sister being diagnosed with cancer or another life threatening illness is often the beginning of a very difficult period. As they make new friends who share similar experiences they also share knowledge and compare responses and feelings. Just being listened to, being able to sit and talk, being able to express confusion, anger, sadness, guilt or fear in a safe, accepting, attentive environment is often enough.