Barretstown Marks 30 Years of Making a Difference

A report published on Monday, 25 March 2024 by Barretstown to mark its 30th year in Ireland reveals that its therapeutic programmes for children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses since 1994 equates to some €1.9 billion in social value.  

The Social Impact and Social Value of Barretstown 1994-2023 reveals that the organisation has invested over €145 million to serve over 120,000 campers to-date and predicts this will increase to over 250,000 campers by 2030 as it expands its medically endorsed residential and outreach camps and programmes. This includes over 33,000 volunteers donating more than 1.2 million hours. The programmes provided by Barretstown align to the objectives of the National Cancer Strategy to cater for the psychosocial well-being of children and teenagers impacted by cancer. 

The report authored by Sandra Velthuis of Whitebarn Consulting was launched today by Stephen Donnelly T.D., Minister for Health. It outlines the breadth of medically endorsed therapeutic programmes that are offered to seriously ill children and their families throughout Ireland helping them to rebuild confidence, independence, self-esteem and enhance emotional wellbeing. 

Survey responses included as part of the report from parents of seriously ill children highlighted the specially designed programmes, professional staff, and on-site medical facilities as key elements in their decision to attend Barretstown. All programmes provided by Barretstown to children and their families are free of charge, with delivery underpinned by donations (98%) and government funding (2%). 

 Speaking at the launch today Minister Donnelly acknowledged the unique and important role Barretstown plays in the lives of seriously ill children throughout the country. 

 Stephen Donnelly, T.D., Minister for Health 

“I am delighted to launch this report today on behalf of the Government and acknowledge the tremendous work of Barretstown over the past 30 years. I know that the excellent therapeutic care and recreational services Barretstown provides are essential components of our healthcare system.   

 “The team in Barretstown deliver services that are a vital part of our National Cancer Strategy, including supporting seriously ill children and their families to rebuild their lives. It is clear to see from the figures contained within this comprehensive report that the social impact of Barretstown’s services, and the value of same, cannot be underestimated.” 

Commissioned to mark its 30th anniversary, the report summarises the outcomes and impact of Barretstown’s residential and outreach camps and programmes. It also highlights Barretstown’s engagement within a wider community comprising schools, hospital groups, charity partners, donors and volunteers. From its opening by Paul Newman in 1994, Barretstown has grown to become the largest and most established organisation in Ireland providing research-informed, medically endorsed, therapeutic camps and programmes. 

The report also estimates that the wellbeing outcomes for seriously ill children who experience Barretstown’s interventions can be valued at €858 million, while for siblings of seriously ill children it comes to over €436 million and for their parents €543 million. 

Dee Ahearn, CEO, Barretstown 

 “While hospitals treat the illness, our focus is on treating the child. We now know from the latest medical and psychological research the importance of supporting a child’s psychosocial development in the aftermath of a childhood illness. When our founder Paul Newman established Barretstown it was with the novel idea of using the transformative power of a camp experience to rebuild a child’s emotional wellbeing and sense of self. That idea is now a core pillar of strategic national health policy with Barretstown making an important contribution in response to this. 

 “As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, this report provides a timely insight into the evolution of the organisation which has gone from supporting over 100 children and family members in our first year of operations, to this year supporting over 22,000. Using peer reviewed research, one-to-one interviews with key stakeholders and survey responses, it provides a valuable insight into the impact of Barretstown on the lived experiences of children and families. 

 “Looking ahead, we project growth in the demand for our therapeutic programmes to double by the end of the decade which equates to 250,000 seriously ill children and their families who will have been served by Barretstown. As we take stock of what has been achieved to date, it strengthens our resolve to reach and support as many children as possible who need our programmes.” 

 Professor Owen Smith, UCD Professor of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Consultant Paediatric Haematologist at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, and Medical Patron, Barretstown 

 “The services provided by Barretstown have a significant impact on the emotional wellbeing of children who are facing the challenge of cancer or other serious illnesses. The value of its therapeutic camps and programmes cannot be underestimated. In the context of responding to a serious illness, we know that the response needs to be, not only medication, but also focusing on the person, and their wellbeing and adopting a more holistic response as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. 

 “Barretstown’s research informed and medically endorsed therapeutic programmes play a major role in a child’s recovery journey. We know that the impact of the programmes at Barretstown remain with people for life and are regarded as an important component in helping many go on to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.”