ken hughes foundation 2024. Gerri's place in Ireland. Retreats for mental health

GERRI'S
PLACE

Restorative Breaks for
Mental Health in Ireland

Creating Space to Heal: Supporting Gerri’s Place in Their Mission for Mental Wellness

At the KH Foundation, we often support international projects in under-resourced areas — but this year, we turned our attention closer to home. In a country like Ireland, where modern living masks many private struggles, we found a small grassroots initiative doing powerful work in the realm of mental health recovery.

Gerri’s Place was founded on a simple yet radical idea: that everyone deserves time and space to heal. In a world that often demands constant productivity, those experiencing emotional exhaustion, trauma, or mental health challenges are often left to navigate recovery alone or the help needed comes too late.  Gerri’s Place offers something rare — a pause, a breather, a break.

Their weekend retreats take place in peaceful countryside settings, far from the pressures of everyday life. Participants are invited to step into a safe, non-judgemental space where they can rest, reflect, and begin to recover. These breaks aren’t clinical or institutional — they’re human. Gentle. Supportive. Real.

Through creative workshops, mindful practices, yoga, walks in nature, storytelling, and shared meals, guests are reminded of their own value and resilience. For many, it’s the first time in a long time that they feel truly seen and supported. The groups are intentionally small, creating a sense of trust and connection among strangers who often become allies in the healing journey.

Healing doesn’t have to be complicated — sometimes it starts with a warm bed, fresh air, and someone who truly sees you

When we came across Gerri’s Place, we were deeply moved by their commitment to creating something so nurturing and accessible. Mental health support is often complex and inaccessible — this project brings it back to basics: a warm bed, fresh air, good food, and compassionate people.

The KH Foundation provided financial support that covered the full cost of these restorative weekends running throughout 2024. That meant individuals, including caregivers, survivors, and those recovering from burnout or trauma, were able to attend without any financial strain. We were also delighted that our donation, their biggest ever received, assisted in their full charity status being granted. 

We believe in the importance of mental health as a foundation for everything else — for learning, for growth, for thriving. Gerri’s Place is holding space for people to begin that journey with dignity, and we are honoured to walk alongside them.

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