Minister Norma Foley welcomes ‘Sailing into Wellness' programme to Fenit for Summer 2026

The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD has welcomed 'Sailing into Wellness', an innovative therapeutic programme supporting children and young people with disabilities through sailing-based activities, to Fenit in County Kerry.

The Sailing into Wellness initiative provides a nature-based, inclusive sailing experience designed to enhance emotional wellbeing, confidence, and social participation among participants. Delivered in a safe marine environment, the programme complements the work of Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs).

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley said:

“This is a fun opportunity for children with additional needs to take part in a summer sailing programme. There are so many skills to learn in terms of teamwork, knowledge of pulling ropes and steering the boat, all while enjoying the sensory experience of being on the water. Funding for this initiative is provided by my department through the HSE South West. I particularly want to thank the HSE for their work and innovation and all involved in the Sailing into Wellness team for delivering this programme. We look forward to these opportunities for summer respite camps growing and growing across the country.”

The programme, running sessions in Fenit this summer, offers tailored sailing experiences for children and young people. Participants take part in small group sessions, supported by trained instructors and caregivers, allowing them to build confidence on the water while engaging at a pace suited to their individual needs.

HSE South West works in partnership with Sailing into Wellness to provide an accessible and supportive environment, ensuring that participants benefit from a structured yet flexible programme that prioritises wellbeing, inclusion, and safety.

Welcoming the Minister’s visit, Carol Mannix, HSE South West Integrated Service Lead with responsibility for Disability Services, said:

“We are very proud to support initiatives like Sailing into Wellness that offer meaningful, person-centred opportunities for children and young people with disabilities. Programmes like this help build confidence, strengthen social connections, and provide families with valuable supports in the community. We are delighted to see Sailing into Wellness continue to grow as a valuable support for children and families. This programme demonstrates the impact of innovative, person-centred approaches in enhancing wellbeing and participation for young people with disabilities.”