Peace and Reconciliation Group

As part of our 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. We can accommodate up to 14 families.

The programme begins at a family oriented venue, where participates will meet each other for the first time. There is usually a meal, followed by team building games or activities. This is to give participants an opportunity to get to know each other a little in an informal setting before embarking on the five day Corrymeela residential.

While at Corrymeela, there is a full programme of activities for each day, which includes family games and activities as well as separate events for parents, young people and younger children, such as: a pampering session for mums, a disco for teenagers, 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 expected to join in with the community relations activities which will take place during the week.

The aim is for everyone to return home feeling relaxed and refreshed and hopefully also inspired, challenged and having gained new friends.

As this is a fully funded project, there will not be any costs for participants. Read more about the Corrymeela Community at their website.

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.