EÁN – Objectives of Holiday Project and Outline of Work :
EÁN – Objectives of Holiday Project and Outline of Work
Develop the assisted holiday programme as a Pilot Project resulting in the running of three to five programmes involving ten to twelve participants.
Serve as a contact point between groups in Britain and groups in Ireland.
Assist groups in Ireland to coordinate activities of arriving group.
Produce a “Set of Guidelines” that will allow local groups to initiate assisted holiday programmes.
Assist organisations and community groups in fundraising for project.
Undertake a public launch and publicity campaign to champion the project.
Background The Task Force – Ireland and The Irish Abroad, August 2002 :
Background The Task Force – Ireland and The Irish Abroad, August 2002 The Task Force recommends that a ‘Holiday in Ireland’ scheme be introduced to enable Irish elderly abroad, especially people in Britain who are unable to return permanently to retain links with their relatives and friends in Ireland. It recommended a pilot scheme be set up in Britain and for it to be reviewed after three years with a view to the possibility of extending it to other countries.
(Report of the Task Force on Policy Regarding Emigrants, Section 6.18)
The Task force also recommends there should be an allocation of funding to assist the “Holiday in Ireland Project” for those who are not in a position to return home permanently.
(Report of the Task Force on Policy Regarding Emigrants, Section 8.10)
Is there a need for an Assisted Holiday Project ? :
Is there a need for an Assisted Holiday Project ? Many older migrants would love to have the opportunity to have an “Assisted
Holiday” but are unable to “do it alone” for the following reasons
They do not have the means to pay for such an experience
They are unable to travel alone for reasons of frailty or other special needs
They would find it too difficult, stressful or be nervous to go alone
They have lost contact with relatives and have no place to stay
Because of a such a strong “sense of pride” they want to holiday independent of relatives
They would like to have the emotional/practical support of an experienced worker
They want to holiday in a group setting with like minded people who share similar experiences of leaving Ireland i.e. lost contact with families
Many do not want to return to live but would like to come on a Holiday
The Monaghan Experience 10-17th October 2007 :
The Monaghan Experience 10-17th October 2007 Hosted by Clones Community Forum and partnered with The London Irish Centre
8 people attended, most had not been back for at least 5 years and came from County Monaghan and surrounding Counties
OUTCOMES
One member had not been home for 25 years since the death of his wife and lost all contact with his family (Enniskillen). We re-united him with his brother and extended family.
One member had not been back to his home village for 48 years (near Carrickmacross). We took him to his village, took photos and he met a distant relative. He is now planning a trip “home” in March 2008.
One member had not been back for 15 years and did not know if her sister was still alive (Clones). We re-united her with all her family and she met her sister who now lives in a Nursing Home and is aged 90.
We arranged a surprise and tearful re-union for one member with her sister and a surprise visit to our Farewell party by three further sisters (Donegal)
We arranged a surprise re-union for another two members (brothers) with their sister who travelled all the way form Sligo to see them.
Another member visited her family for the day (near Clones). She had previously returned to live in Ireland but she could not settle and returned to London.
The Monaghan Experience 10-17th October 2007:
The Monaghan Experience 10-17th October 2007 What Worked Well
Excellent planning by host group (Clones Community Forum)
Structured Timetable for the week to suit all styles/preferences
Lovely accommodation and excellent food
Most participants were from Monaghan and surrounding counties
The group gelled very well and the small group worked well
The Holiday was fully funded through a grant from the Department of Social and Family Affairs
Areas for Improvement
Longer period of time required for planning trip **
Less strict criteria for Holiday
Participants to contribute towards the cost of the trip and activities
Have one or two drop-off and collection points
Have earlier flight times back to UK
Group in the UK to meet a few times before holiday
What Next ? :
What Next ? Kerry Holiday – March 2008
Partnership to be confirmed – Luton, Leeds ?
Clare Holiday – 14-21 April 2008
Partnership with various London groups (tbc)
Laois Holiday – 7-12th May 2008
In partnership with Huddersfield Irish Community
Launch Set of Guidelines for Assisted Holiday Project