Young Adult Programme

Specially designed for young adults from 18 - 24 years old, who have/had serious Illness.

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What is Barretstown’s Young Adult (YA) Programme?

Our Young Adult Programme, established in 2021is a free residential programme, (including meals and accommodation), is designed specifically for young adults aged 18-24 who are living with or have previously had serious illness.  

Participation in all sessions is entirely optional, in keeping with our ‘challenge by choice’ philosophy, which is central to all Barretstown therapeutic recreation programmes. 

Keep reading to learn more, or reach out to us with any questions! 

What’s it about?

What’s it about?

An Age-Appropriate Experience: A residential programme tailored specifically for young adults aged 18-24.

Improved Quality of Life: Supporting young adults affected by serious illness to build resilience and a better quality of life.

Skill Development: Enhancing key skills like autonomy, self-confidence, teamwork, communication, and social interaction.

Access to Resources: Workshops and guest speakers provide valuable information and connections to essential services.

Apply for YA Programme
What will you gain from the Young Adult (YA) Programme?

What will you gain from the Young Adult (YA) Programme?

Build Connections: Expand your support network by meeting new people and reconnecting with old friends.

Access Knowledge: Learn from others’ experiences and discover where to find helpful information and services.

Shape the Programme: Share your feedback to help us improve and ensure the programme meets the group’s needs.

Enjoy the Experience: A weekend perfectly balanced with fun activities, informative sessions, and downtime to relax and explore the beautiful grounds and facilities.

FAQs

What do I need to bring?

Comfortable clothes depending on the season and closed toed shoes. Also a pen and paper would be great as there will be some great info shared during the workshops.

What is a typical day like?

Participants arrive on Friday evening (around 6pm) and leave again Sunday morning (around 10:30am) so it’s a quick programme. Saturday is the main day for activities and workshops, starting at 9am for Breakfast and finishing around 10pm with some breaks and meals scattered in between.

Where will I sleep?

Participants will sleep in our new accommodation block, Paul’s Hideout. Bed linen and towels are provided but please bring your own toiletries. Depending on the number of people attending you may be in a shared room with one other person.

Is transport provided?

We will have a bus coming to Barretstown from Heuston Station Dublin on Friday late afternoon and back again to Heuston late Sunday morning when the programme is complete. Parking is available onsite for those who chose to drive and participants can also be dropped off and collected.

Can I recommend this programme to a friend?

Yes please do. If you know someone in this age bracket who has or has had serious illness please share the info with them.

Will there be a chance to meet other young adults who have had serious illness?

Yes there will. The group of participants will stay together as one large group for the duration of the programme. We have also built in some down time in the schedule to allow the group to mingle and get to know one another.

Is alcohol/smoking allowed on site?

Barretstown is an alcohol free site and there is one designated smoking area which can be shown to people on arrival if necessary.

Can I bring my partner?

Due to the space we have available and as we are hoping to serve as many young adults as possible we are asking participants not to bring partners to this programme.

How do I sign up? Apply for YA Programme