Minister Norma Foley has welcomed Sailing into Wellness to Fenit, Co Kerry, for Summer 2026, backing a programme that brings children and young people with disabilities onto the water in a safe, supportive setting. Supported through the Health Service Executive (HSE) South West, the initiative highlights how gov.ie-backed disability supports can combine wellbeing, community inclusion and outdoor activity in a practical way.
The new summer programme is designed to give participants a tailored sailing experience that supports confidence, emotional wellbeing and social connection. Delivered in a marine environment with trained instructors and caregiver support, it also complements the wider work of Children’s Disability Network Teams.
Sailing into Wellness brings inclusive support to Fenit
Sailing into Wellness is built around small-group sessions where children and young people can engage at a pace that suits their individual needs. Rather than focusing only on recreation, the programme uses sailing as a therapeutic and sensory-rich activity.
Participants can benefit from:
- gentle, structured outdoor activity
- teamwork and communication practice
- confidence-building through new skills
- social participation in an inclusive setting
- a calming sensory experience on the water
The initiative reflects a broader public-service focus seen across gov.ie, the Health Service Executive (HSE), and Children/Disability/Equality supports, where person-centred programmes are increasingly valued alongside clinical and community services.
What Minister Norma Foley said
At the launch, Minister Foley described the programme as a positive summer opportunity for children with additional needs. She pointed to the value of learning practical skills such as teamwork, rope handling and steering, while also enjoying the sensory benefits of being at sea. She also noted that funding is being provided by her department through HSE South West and praised the innovation behind the project.
The minister said she hopes to see similar respite-style summer opportunities continue to expand across Ireland.
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How the Health Service Executive (HSE) is supporting the programme
HSE South West is partnering with the organisers to make sure Sailing into Wellness is accessible, structured and safe. The support model prioritises flexibility, allowing young participants to build familiarity with the environment while still benefiting from clear guidance and supervision.
This kind of collaboration fits naturally within the wider Irish public-service landscape, where agencies and departments including Health, Social Protection, Education, and Local Government and Heritage increasingly work with community-led providers to improve outcomes for families.
Why programmes like Sailing into Wellness matter
Carol Mannix, HSE South West Integrated Service Lead for Disability Services, said the service is proud to support initiatives that create meaningful, person-centred opportunities for children and young people with disabilities. She said programmes like Sailing into Wellness can strengthen social links, improve confidence and give families valuable local supports.
That matters in practical terms for parents and carers looking for accessible summer activities that go beyond traditional camp formats. It also aligns with the broader aims of Children/Disability/Equality policy by promoting participation, inclusion and wellbeing in community settings.
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What this means for families in Kerry and beyond
The arrival of Sailing into Wellness in Fenit signals growing interest in creative supports that blend therapy, leisure and inclusion. For families in Kerry, it offers a local opportunity with a strong wellbeing focus. Nationally, it may also serve as a model for similar programmes supported through the Health Service Executive (HSE) and other community partnerships.
As Ireland continues to invest in disability inclusion, Sailing into Wellness stands out as a simple but powerful example of what person-centred summer supports can look like: safe, engaging and rooted in real participation.
FAQs
What is Sailing into Wellness?
It is an inclusive sailing-based therapeutic programme for children and young people with disabilities, focused on wellbeing, confidence and participation.
Where is the programme taking place?
The Summer 2026 sessions are being held in Fenit, County Kerry.
Who is supporting the initiative?
The programme is backed through the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality and funded via HSE South West, part of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Why is Sailing into Wellness important?
Sailing into Wellness offers children and young people a supportive, nature-based activity that can help build skills, social connection and self-confidence.
Article/Image Courtesy: HSE
