Belfast Central Mission

Supporting those who need it most

• Who we are
• What we do
• How to Help
• Conference Facilities

Worship

• Worship

Older People

• LITE 60+
• Kirk House
• Adult Holiday Programme
• Wednesday Lunch Club
• Christmas Support
• Befriending Scheme
• Tea Dances

Young People

• The LITE project (16-25)
• Cross Community Holidays
• Quayside Project
• Christmas Toy Programme
• Anderson House
• The EAGLE Project
• Mentoring

Cross-community Children's Holidays

Each year BCM takes approximately 80 children aged 7-10 yrs, for a week's holiday at our Childhaven Centre on the North Down coast. These children have a variety of needs and come from all sides of the community. A week by the sea is an adventure which lifts them out of their normal daily lives. It gives them an opportunity to mix with children from different religions and backgrounds, enjoy the beauty and joy of the countryside and experience new activities.

"The Project is a Godsend for both myself and Paul. As a mum of three special needs children I appreciate the opportunity to recharge my batteries secure in the knowledge that my son is being well cared for"

The children enjoy a week of pursuits interspersed with some supervised free time, to allow them to develop friendships. Activities include a trip to a local outdoor activity centre, swimming and a trip to the zoo. The children arrive back from their week away clutching the end results of their craft sessions and full of stories to tell their families. On her evaluation form one mum wrote:

After the summer holidays are completed, the reunion part of the programme takes over. This includes four reunion weekends at Childhaven - two in the autumn and two in the spring, plus a Christmas party.

"Paul's* self confidence and esteem are enhanced by his time at Childhaven, he is very often overpowered by the strength of his brother's personality at home and 'time out' is necessary for him to explore his own strengths and weaknesses. Childhaven is a Godsend for both myself and Paul. As a mum of three special needs children I appreciate the opportunity to recharge my batteries secure in the knowledge that my son is being well cared for. Paul also gets important time away from home and the' frantic' atmosphere that ADHD children generate. He always returns from these holidays with enhanced confidence". (* Name has been changed for reasons of confidentiality)"

The reunions are a vital part of the overall holiday programme as they reunite the children so that friendships made in the summer can develop.