In Each Other’s Shelter We Survive

I bhfoscadh a chéile maireann muid/In each other’s shelter we survive. ♀️❤️?

The Sunflower Project began in January 2022, with the aim of working with people impacted by Mother and Baby institutions.

This film follows participants in The Sunflower Project which began in January 2022. The aim was to provide a safe space to work with people impacted by mother and baby institutions using the arts to explore their experiences. The project was delivered by Sole Purpose Productions and managed by Artistic Director, Patricia Byrne. Sessions were facilitated by Shauna Kelpie, a theatre practitioner; Colette Ramsey, a researcher experienced in working in mental health with a trauma informed approach, and Brónagh Corr, an artist who creates participative and public artworks. This film shows their moving and poignant journey to letting go of shame.

“There was always a feeling of shame in having been associated with these institutions, through this project and support of everyone involved, I for one and I’m sure the others feel the same, now know that the shame has totally disappeared”, Participant.

The project is supported by The Ideas Fund which is delivered by the British Science Association and funded by Wellcome. Sole Purpose Productions is core funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Visitors to today's event can expect a warm and gentle welcome. The film — In Each Other's Shelter We Survive — will last 1hr4mins and will be introduced by members of the #LIF2024 team and members of Fréa's Renewing Roots programme. Afterwards, people can stay in the space and speak to team. A list of survivor services can be found below and will be made available at the event.

Fréa have supported the delivery of this event, but significant thanks go to , who brought this project and work to our attention and secured the use of the film, when mainstream funding was not available. We are proud to be able to show it, in tandem with .

Host or Publisher Liverpool Irish Festival