Fréa Renewing Roots Review of the Year 2025: Community Group

One of the most important developments for Fréa Renewing Roots in 2025 has been the establishment and ongoing running of a monthly community group (Crann Silí*) for survivors of, and people affected by, Ireland’s institutions.

The group first met at the Irish World Heritage Centre on 22 January 2025. Since then, it has blossomed into a safe and supportive space where people can meet, chat, and form friendships and bonds with their peers.

Fréa Renewing Roots Community Group

A central principle of the group is that it is led by the wishes of those who attend. Each month, the group takes part in an activity chosen by those most affected by the institutions. These activities are often a leap into the unknown - such as ceramic making and creative writing - but each session helps to strengthen the sense of community.

The outcomes of this work have been seen and heard by many people. The group’s work shares lived experience and tells its own story. It formed the central component of the We Have Arrived installation at Ryde Café and the Bluecoat Arts Centre, as part of the Liverpool Irish Festival. These events enabled the public to view the ceramic pieces, read the words of community members and hear a poem created from their experiences by Aoibh Johnson. At the Bluecoat, audiences also heard first-hand accounts from members of Crann Silí speaking about their experiences.

At the end-of-year Christmas meeting, the group made baubles and welcomed Patricia Carey, Special Advocate for Survivors of Institutional Abuse, and Cillian O’Kelly, Consulate General of Ireland to the North of England.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who has contributed to the group. We would like to give special thanks to Aoibh Johnson of Wee Yarns Production and Olivia Rowan of Olivia Rowan Ceramics, who facilitated sessions and engaged with community members in such a reassuring and constructive way. As always, thanks also to Emma Smith for helping to facilitate the group’s contribution to this year’s Liverpool Irish Festival.

We are all looking forward to the new challenges and experiences that 2026 will bring for the group.

*The name Crann Silí (Irish for “Willow Tree”) was chosen by the community members. The willow tree symbolises resilience, flexibility, and adaptability due to its ability to bend without breaking. It is also associated with grief and mourning because of its weeping form, while simultaneously representing rebirth.