Fréa Renewing Roots Community Stories | Tom

Tom was born in the 1940s in a Mother and Baby institution. In his twenties, he emigrated to the north-west of England, where he has lived ever since. Over the years, Tom reached out to Renewing Roots for support in accessing information about his birth and early life. He also engaged with help around the Mother and Baby Payment Scheme and Family Tracing.  While these steps brought him some closure, Tom had increasingly felt isolated in recent decades. More than anything, he wished to meet others who had been through similar experiences - people who would truly understand where he was coming from. He wanted to share his story, not just for himself, but to feel heard and connected.  

Tom needed more than just information and practical support. He needed connection - real conversations, shared understanding, and a sense of belonging. After so many years living with his story in silence, Tom was ready to meet others, to talk, and to be part of something again.  

Tom was introduced to the Fréa Renewing Roots Survivor Support Group - Art for Wellbeing.  

Some of the wonderful pieces created by the Fréa Renewing Roots Survivor Support Group - Art for Wellbeing.

This group, made up of survivors and former residents of Ireland’s institutions, meets monthly. They use art as a gentle and creative way to connect, to share space, and to talk about life - past and present.  

Through the group, Tom was given a safe and welcoming environment where conversations naturally unfolded alongside painting, clay work, and music. It wasn't about formal storytelling - it was about being together, sharing moments, and allowing connections to grow.  

Since joining the group, Tom’s transformation has been clear to see. In one session, he discovered an old piano tucked away in the meeting venue and, without hesitation, began to play.  

“It takes me back,” he said cheerfully, recalling his younger days growing up in Ireland where he learned to play the piano.  

As Tom played tune after tune, the group continued with their clay work, the music weaving through the room like a thread, bringing a sense of joy and comfort to everyone there. It was a powerful moment - not just for Tom, but for the whole group.  

Tom now looks forward to each monthly gathering. He travels independently by train, which has added a new sense of purpose and routine to his life. He has started building friendships with others in the group, helping him feel less isolated for the first time in many years.  

Remarkably, this is the first time Tom has meaningfully met and connected with other survivors and former residents in over 80 years.  

Renewing Roots played a crucial role in Tom’s journey. Beyond helping him access his early life records and navigate the redress and family tracing processes, the project recognised Tom’s true need - connection. By creating safe spaces like the Art for Wellbeing group, Renewing Roots offers survivors not just practical support, but emotional and social support too - opportunities to meet, share, laugh, create, and remember. For Tom, Renewing Roots helped bridge the gap between a life lived in quiet isolation and a new chapter filled with friendship, creativity, and hope for the future.  

*name(s) have been changed