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Cùram Cala Retreat

A Anam Cara Fasgadh  •  Collective  •  2025-03-27  •  No comments
Poppy's Place
Poppy's Place


Proposal code: AP-2025-03-37

Help us create a second haven for bereaved families ~ support the Cùram Cala Retreat & ensure a place of peace, healing, & remembrance for years to come.

Estimated Price

83000

Cùram Cala Retreat: Expanding Our Haven for Bereaved Families

Since Anam Cara Fasgadh was founded in 2018, everything we’ve achieved has been thanks to our incredible fundraisers, donors, and supporters. Their generosity has allowed us to create Poppy’s Place, a sanctuary where bereaved families can find peace, solace, and space to grieve. However, demand for our services is growing and Poppy’s Place is almost fully booked for 2025. The Cùram Cala Retreat Campaign aims to fund a second sanctuary of peace and healing.

We aim to secure the future of Poppy’s Place while expanding our support for grieving families. In December 2025 our lease for Poppy’s Place will end but, in recognition of its importance, we’ve been offered the chance to purchase a new caravan with a 13- to 15-year lease, ensuring families continue to receive support.

We are seeking to raise £83,000 to cover:

  • £50,000 – £68,000 for a new caravan
  • £15,000 for annual site fees, utilities, cleaning, and welcome gifts

Child loss is devastating. It leaves parents, grandparents, and siblings struggling with grief, trauma, and often isolation. Families frequently tell us they feel forgotten once the funeral is over. We know grief has no timeline. That’s why we offer bereavement breaks, peer support, and memorial events, ensuring every family gets the time and space they need. Demand for our services continues to rise and we are already having to turn families away. We cannot let this happen. A second retreat will allow us to double our capacity, ensuring no grieving family is left without support.

What Positive Changes Will Our Project Bring?

💙 More Bereavement Breaks – More availability means more families can access respite.

💙 Reducing Isolation – Families, particularly in rural areas, often feel alone. We offer a safe, understanding space where they can connect with others who truly understand.

💙 Supporting Mental & Emotional Wellbeing – Grief affects every part of life, and our retreats help families find peace, rest, and healing.

💙 Helping Local Businesses – Our Creating Memories Fund provides families with experiences that also support local restaurants, activity providers, and businesses.

💙 Long-Term Stability – By securing a 13- to 15-year lease, we ensure families can access free respite for years to come.

This project is designed for long-term impact. By moving Poppy’s Place to a new location in January 2026, we will continue offering bereavement breaks for at least the next 5 years in that caravan. Hundreds of families will benefit over the coming years.

We are proud to partner with:

🤝 Tralee Bay Coastal Parks – Our long-term hosts, who ensure our families always feel welcome.

🤝 Businesses Who Support Us – Generous companies provide financial support, gifts, and experiences.

🤝 Charities & Organisations – Many bereaved families are referred to us through other charities, community groups, and funeral directors.

🤝 Health Services – We work closely with bereavement midwives, children’s hospices, and palliative care providers.

🤝 Creating Memories Fund Partners – Our fund helps families create new, meaningful experiences while supporting local businesses.

A Lasting Impact

The name Cùram Cala has deep meaning:

~ Cùram – Gaelic for care, protection, and attentiveness, reflecting the love we provide to grieving families.

~ Cala – Meaning harbour, anchorage, and haven, symbolising the safe space we strive to offer.

Together, these words embody our mission: to care for grieving families and provide them with a peaceful haven to heal.

With your support, Cùram Cala Retreat will become a reality, ensuring that no bereaved family is ever left to grieve alone.