Corrymeela Family Respite Holidays
Part of the Dealing with the Past, Shaping the Future project
A key element of dealing with the past involves working with the family unit. This project addresses this through the Family Respite Holidays which are held annually in August at the Corrymeela Centre in Ballycastle.
This project is designed for the benefit of families from interface areas or single identity communities in the Derry/Londonderry and Donegal border areas and there is space for up to 14 families.
The programme begins with a group meeting at a family oriented venue, where all participants are introduced for the first time, usually accompanied by a meal and some team building games. This is to give participants an opportunity to meet informally before embarking on the five day Corrymeela residential.
While at Corrymeela the programme includes family games and activities and there separate events for parents, young people and younger children, such as pampering session for mums, a dvd evening and a treasure hunt and face painting for the youngest. Some activities are off site such as a daytrip to nearby Portrush or Watertop Farm and the gardens, play areas and beach also provide hours of enjoyment for all ages.
A team of trained staff and volunteers will be on site at all times, so all participants will be well looked after and parents have an opportunity to relax.
While this is an opportunity for people to unwind and enjoy spending time together, away from the daily stresses and pressures, everyone is also be expected to join in with a programme of community relations activities and workshops.
The aim is for everyone to return home feeling relaxed and refreshed and hopefully also inspired, challenged and with a better understanding of oneself of different cultures.
As this is a fully funded project, there will not be any costs for participants.
This programme is supported by the Peace III Programme managed for the special EU programmes body by the Community Relations Council / Pobal consortium
Please contact the Project Officer Anna Murray if you think you may be eligible or for further information.
Click here to visit the Corrymeela website
