Holland & Barrett and Barretstown continue partnership to help young people thrive
24 June 2026
Young adults who have experienced serious childhood illness often face challenges that continue long after treatment ends. As they move into adulthood, many are navigating questions around confidence, independence and their future, alongside managing their own wellbeing for the first time.
To help support this important life stage, Holland & Barrett has partnered with Barretstown for a second year to deliver a dedicated Health & Wellness Day as part of the charity's Five to Thrive Young Adults Programme.
Designed for 18–24-year-olds who previously attended Barretstown camps as children, the three-day residential programme combines peer connection, personal development and practical wellbeing support to help young adults build confidence and resilience as they transition into adulthood.
As part of the programme, Holland & Barrett's trained Wellness Champions co-created and delivered a series of workshops centred around four key pillars of wellbeing: Nourish, Move, Mind and Sleep. Through interactive sessions covering nutrition, movement, mental wellbeing and sleep, participants gained practical tools and knowledge that can support them in everyday life.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment between Holland & Barrett and Barretstown to empower young people with the confidence and skills they need to thrive.
Adam Moore, Director of Stores at Holland & Barrett, said:
"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 that support confidence, resilience and everyday wellbeing.
What makes this partnership especially meaningful is the involvement of our colleagues, who work directly alongside the Barretstown team to deliver the programme. It's something our teams are incredibly proud to be part of and reflects our commitment to supporting the communities we serve."
The programme has already had a positive impact on participants. Nineteen-year-old Kayla Nolan, who first attended Barretstown camps at the age of ten, described the experience as both enjoyable and empowering.
"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. It's given me more confidence in looking after my wellbeing and making positive choices for the future."
For Barretstown, partnerships like this help strengthen the support available to young people as they move forward from childhood illness.
Dee Ahearn, CEO of Barretstown, said:
"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."
By bringing together Barretstown's experience in delivering life-changing programmes for children and families affected by serious illness with Holland & Barrett's wellbeing expertise, 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.
To learn more about Barretstown and its programmes, visit: https://www.hollandandbarrett.ie/l/barretstown/