This winter's top transfer story sees Mike Melia and Caroline Poff transfer to Kerry to supply Active Connections services in the Kingdom for Tusla.

Mike and Caroline were transferred from Wexford back to their home county of Kerry, and both will bring their expertise and local knowledge to support young people in need and help transform their lives through adventure.

The Active Connections New Trails programme is an activity-based intervention service which supports the participants and their families. It uses a range of adventure activities in combination with Brief Solution

Focused Coaching to help participants identify and action their solutions to their difficulties. New Trails helps youths, teens and young adults connect their desire for more freedom and independence with the reality that they must take on the responsibility that comes with that freedom. The aim is to instil confidence, strength, new perspectives and skills for dealing with the transition to adulthood.

Mike and Caroline have years of outdoor experience from Whitewater kayaking in Bosnia and Herzegovina to rock climbing in Paklenica National Park. Both completed an outdoor instructor traineeship in Kerry which gave them the hard skills necessary for Active Connections.

Mike has worked with Active Connections for almost two years and Caroline has been a member of the team for one year. To learn more about the team and the transformative work they do check out the website www.activeconnections.ie.

“I'm looking forward and relishing the possibilities of new adventure while aiming to assist in the transformation of lives through adventure in my home county,” Mike Melia said.

“It is exciting being back in Kerry surrounded by powerful rivers, mystical forests and dominating mountains. The more high tech we become, the more connection with nature we need. Helping young people discover this connection and transformative power of nature is incredible,” Caroline added.