Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly today announced that Government funding for Barretstown will increase from €150,000 to €400,000 annually. Barretstown is Ireland’s largest provider of medically endorsed therapeutic camps and programmes for children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses.
All programmes are provided free of charge to children and their families.
Minister Donnelly said: “I am delighted to announce today an increase in Government funding for the charity Barretstown to €400,000 annually.
“The services and supports provided by Barretstown align with the objectives of the National Cancer Strategy to cater for the psychosocial wellbeing of young people impacted by cancer.
“This year alone Barretstown will provide services for up to 22,000 seriously ill children and families through its residential and outreach programmes.”
Founded in 1994, by Hollywood actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, Barretstown celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, a significant milestone for the Kildare-based organisation which has to date supported more than 120,000 campers.
The breadth of medically endorsed therapeutic programmes that are offered by Barretstown to seriously ill children and their families throughout Ireland help them to rebuild confidence, independence, self-esteem and to enhance emotional well-being.
Barretstown CEO, Dee Ahearn, said: “We are delighted to welcome Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, to Barretstown today and to receive the news of an increase to our annual Government funding. This increased contribution is an important recognition by the Government of the vital services provided by Barretstown and it will play an important role in helping us to meet the growing demand for our programmes.”
