Barretstown continues therapeutic programmes through online platforms

A fantastic idea.

Many of us have had our lives turned upside down but none more than the most vulnerable in our society. Hundreds of sick children and their families depend on the services provided by Barretstown every year but due to social distancing and self isolation these services can no longer be done in person. Thankfully Barretstown have found another way to deliver therapeutic programmes to children and families affected by serious illness through live online interactive platforms. Barretstown, is now offering free, specially designed camps and programmes for children and their families living with a serious illness. ‘Barretstown Live’ is the charity's new online interactive platform which will livestream Barretstown’s programmes into homes nationwide. These programmes will be delivered every Saturday to families who were due to come to Barretstown and will continue to run for the foreseeable future. In advance of participating in these programmes, families will receive a ‘Barretstown Live’ kit which will contain everything they need to participate. Barretstown will also share the magic of Barretstown with children across Ireland through Facebook live broadcasts taking place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12pm to 2pm. The Barretstown team has created a specially designed studio onsite to deliver these programmes. Participants in both the weekend and weekday programmes will have the opportunity to experience the magic of Barretstown and to participate in many fun activities such as arts and crafts, bakery and discovery from the comfort of their own homes. I think this is a fantastic idea as unfortunately illness or the trauma caused by witnessing someone we love cope with illness does not stop because of global pandemics. It's wonderful to see that an essential charity such as Barretstown is able to continue their vital work and help children and their families across the country.