Barretstown Camp, Ireland
In 1994, GSK was a founder partner of The Barretstown Gang Camp in County Kildare, Ireland, the first programme of its kind in Europe to provide therapeutic recreation. Modelled on the Paul Newman Hole in the wall Gang Camp in the US, Barretstown offers seriously ill children a fun environment and the chance to develop their self-confidence.
Children are able to participate in a programme of activities, designed to restore their confidence and self-esteem and which is medically endorsed as having a profound and positive impact on their lives. Children are referred through a network of hospitals from across 22 European countries and each year Barretstown changes the lives of over 1,500 children and their families for the better. After taking part in one of Barretstown’s programmes, children go home with more confidence, ready to live their lives to the fullest and with the reassurance that happiness is not just for healthy children.
GSK's funding has specifically supported the European Liaison Network that enables children to go to Barretstown through referral by their specialist doctor. GSK also supports the Camp with other resources, including employee volunteers: over 50 people from GSK volunteer annually.
