Holland & Barrett partners with Barretstown
Former Barretstown campers are supported as they transition into adulthood, building confidence, connection and practical wellbeing skills through a hands-on, expert-led Wellness Day
Print6 July 2026
For many young adults who experienced serious childhood illness, the transition into adulthood brings complex challenges that extend far beyond their health journey.
Long after treatment ends, some young people continue to navigate challenges related to confidence, independence and finding their place as they look towards the future.
To support this critical life stage, a hands-on partnership between Barretstown and Holland & Barrett is helping young people across Ireland build the confidence, resilience and practical life skills they need to thrive.
Collaborating
Marking the second year of their partnership, Holland & Barrett has collaborated with Barretstown to co-create and deliver a dedicated Health & Wellness Day as part of the charity’s Five to Thrive Young Adults Programme.
The three-day programme is designed for young adults aged 18–24 who previously attended Barretstown camps as children.
Dee Ahearn, CEO of Barretstown, commented: “We are incredibly proud and grateful to Holland & Barrett for their support of Barretstown and, in particular, our Young Adults Programme.
“The Five to Thrive initiative provides a practical framework for navigating real-life challenges and has been a hugely valuable addition to the experience we offer young adults.”
While Barretstown leads the therapeutic and peer connection elements of the programme, Holland & Barrett supports the delivery of a Health & Wellness Day through its trained Wellness Champions and colleagues.
The experience is structured around four key pillars of wellbeing – Nourish, Move, Mind and Sleep – and focuses on practical, accessible tools that support everyday wellbeing, confidence and independence.
The programme creates space for young adults to look ahead, build positive habits and develop greater confidence in managing their own wellbeing as they transition into adulthood.
Ahearn continued: “By combining Holland & Barrett’s expertise in health and wellbeing with Barretstown’s psychosocial care programmes, we can provide young people with a more rounded and meaningful experience.
“This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration and the opportunities that can be created when organisations come together with a shared purpose.
“Ultimately, it is our young people who benefit most.
“This year, Barretstown will support 32,000 campers through our residential and outreach programmes in hospitals, schools and communities across Ireland.
“To deliver these life-changing programmes, we must raise €11 million annually, making partnerships like this one with Holland & Barrett more important than ever.”
One young adult who experienced the impact of the programme first-hand is 19-year-old Kaela Nolan from Navan, Co. Meath, who first attended Barretstown camps at the age of ten.
Speaking about her experience, Kaela Nolan said: “Being part of the programme has been a really positive experience.
“My favourite part of the Health & Wellness Day was the movement workshops, especially the yoga and resistance band sessions.
“Everyone got involved, there was a great atmosphere, and it was a lot of fun.
“I also learned a lot from the nutrition and sleep sessions.
“With exams coming up, the advice around sleep and wellbeing felt particularly relevant, and I came away with practical tips that I can apply in my everyday life.
“The Holland & Barrett team were so approachable and supportive, and it made it easy to ask questions and learn new things.
“It’s given me more confidence in looking after my wellbeing and making positive choices for the future.”
Adam Moore, director of Stores at Holland & Barrett, added: “At Holland & Barrett, we believe wellbeing should be accessible, practical and empowering.
“That’s why we’re proud to support Barretstown’s Young Adults Programme through a dedicated Wellness Day delivered by our trained Wellness Champions.
“The transition into adulthood can be challenging, particularly for young people who have experienced serious illness.
“Through our Nourish, Move, Mind and Sleep pillars, we focused on simple, achievable tools to support confidence, resilience and everyday wellbeing.
“What makes this partnership so impactful is that it goes beyond a traditional charity model.
“This has been a true joint effort, with colleagues from across our stores and organisation working on the ground at Barretstown alongside the charity’s team to deliver the programme.
“It’s something our teams are incredibly proud to be part of, and it reflects what we stand for as a business – showing up, working together, and supporting the communities we serve.”
By bringing together Barretstown’s experience in delivering life-changing camp and programme experiences for children and families affected by serious illness with Holland & Barrett’s wellbeing expertise across nutrition, movement, mental wellbeing and sleep, the partnership provides practical, hands-on support that helps young people build confidence, strengthen connections and embrace greater independence as they move forward in life.
For more information on the programme, visit: www.hollandandbarrett.ie/l/barretstown
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© 2026, ShelfLife by Ryan Brennan
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