Ireland’s Mother and Baby institutions existed behind high walls. Walls that hid women away from society’s gaze and silenced them. The legacy of shame and stigma that remained after the closure of these places of incarceration meant that people felt compelled to self-censor or never share their experiences. Many women, and their grown-up children, arrived in the north of England to rebuild their lives.
Fréa’s Renewing Roots programme aims to give voices to those once silenced; to create space that amplifies the perspectives and experiences of their community members, both in the institutions and in their lives afterwards.
Their arts for wellbeing group began in spring 2025 with the aim of using creative practices to explore their experiences and build a community of understanding. The group meet monthly and enjoy a programme of activities with UK and Irish artists and facilitators. Some have taken part in an oral history project, due to be stored in archives at The Institute of Irish Studies (University of Liverpool).
Sharing work from Fréa’s Renewing Roots creative programmes, individuals will speak about the artworks and poems created. Excerpts of testimonies from their pilot oral history programme will all be shared (as permitted by the individuals). Access to information about services and updates on Philomena’s Law will be available, along with members of the Fréa team, lead artists from the project and survivors.
This event has been organised as a commemorative event by Renewing Roots, with funding from the Government of Ireland (DCEDIY Commemorative Grant Scheme). Fréa is funded — with thanks the Irish Government — via the Irish Embassy in London’s Emigrant Support Programme.
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