Creating Connections: Highlights from our Summer Residentials

As we settle back into our autumn routines with the return of school, we can't help but look back fondly on the fun and adventures of this summer across our programmes. 

A highlight for many of our young people was the opportunity to go on residentials — a few days away from the city to enjoy a change of scenery and participate in fun activities. This year, 40 young people from our Liberate team and 17 from our Justice teams experienced these trips. 

The residentials took place in Wexford and at The Cavan Centre, where some favourite moments included a highly competitive ball pit obstacle course and surprise visits from Sammy the seal during water activities. 

While these trips don’t always go exactly as planned, their value is immense. As one of our Liberate youth workers, Noel, shared: 

“You get to understand young people more on the residentials because you are spending a prolonged period of time together. It allows for a change of pace and to get to know each other better.” 

Tamara, from Rua D8, added: 

"There was a lot of childlike laughter on our residential, providing a safe place for young people to have fun and feel like kids again. We played hide and seek in the dark, as well as volleyball, swimming, and bodyboarding. We also worked on practical skills like building a campfire and adapting to the weather." 

Another highlight of the residentials were the connections formed—not just between young people and staff, but also among participants across different programmes. Our Justice teams, in particular, had the chance to connect with young people from TRY, Rua, and even a new participant who joined through a friend. 

As Brene Brown eloquently puts it: 

"I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship." 

This definition resonates with us as we strive to prioritise building lasting meaningful connections with young people in our work. The residentials offered a wonderful example of the joy that emerges when young people have the opportunity to connect beyond their everyday environments.