CLaD Hub Trailblazers Travel to Gibraltar

In September, Nua Healthcare Services marked a remarkable milestone with the first ever overseas excursion as part of the CLaD Hub Trailblazing Programme. The trip to Gibraltar was a week filled with learning, connection, and cultural exchange, an experience that truly reflected the spirit of growth and inclusion at the heart of the CLaD Hubs.

A group of five individuals travelled to Gibraltar alongside team members from the CLaD Hub and residential services. Hosted by The Care Agency, the group spent several days immersed in the local community, building friendships and sharing experiences through a mix of educational and social activities.

From a scenic tour of the famous Rock of Gibraltar and visits to its caves and monkeys, to a lively National Day celebration filled with music, dancing, and colour, these experiences offered new opportunities for discovery and connection. There were plenty of highlights along the way, including a dolphin watching sea safari, a beach swim, group barbecues, and creative sessions at the day services where participants shared artwork, stories, and laughter.

Before making the journey home to Ireland, the group exchanged contact details with their new friends to stay in touch as international pen pals, helping to build lasting connections that will continue beyond the trip.

For many of our individuals, this trip marked their first time flying, meeting new people in another country, and experiencing a completely different culture. They returned home with lifelong memories and a deep sense of pride in what they had accomplished, greeted at the airport by CEO Noel Dunne, team members, and fellow residents who gathered to welcome them back and celebrate their achievement.

This was the first of many adventures planned through the CLaD Hub Trailblazing Programme, which continues

to open doors for learning and discovery, both at home and beyond.