Building Connections:
guide for new arrivals in County Clare
CLARE INTEGRATION TEAM
CONNECTING CULTURES
Map of County Clare
Cathaoirleach Address
As Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, I would like to thank the members of the Community Integration Forum for compiling this welcome booklet. Their ongoing commitment to providing essential support and services to new communities arriving in County Clare is invaluable.
This booklet serves as a testament to their work in fostering a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment for everyone who chooses to call Clare home. We are deeply appreciative of their efforts in helping to make Clare a place where all feel supported and valued.
To our new arrivals, welcome to our community! Moving to a new place can be both exciting and, overwhelming. Please know that we are here to support you, making your transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible. This booklet introduces you to a wide range of support services available as a new member of our community. Inside, you’ll find information on essential services, local resources, and ways to connect with others. Whether you’re seeking guidance on settling in or simply want to learn more about the area and community you live in, we hope this guide provides the answers and reassurance you need. We are delighted to have you here and look forward to supporting you on this new journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out—our community is here to help make Clare feel like home. Finally, I encourage our various agencies and community organisations to continue working together, building on their achievements, and creating even more opportunities to enhance the quality of life for all residents.
Cllr. Alan O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council.
Foreward
Pat Dowling Address
The Community Integration Forum’s welcome booklet reflects the strong commitment of its members to providing essential support services to new arrivals to County Clare, while fostering community development and integration.
This dedication helps ensure that Clare remains a welcoming, inclusive place for those who join our community.
This booklet, a product of extensive consultation with Community Integration Forum members, highlights the range of support services available throughout the county for newly arrived community members. I am optimistic that the Forum, working closely with its stakeholders, will continue to build on the achievements already made in welcoming newcomers and supporting inclusive, community-focused development across County Clare.
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Community Integration Forum, as well as all the statutory bodies, community groups, and voluntary organisations, for their ongoing dedication to supporting new members of our community. These combined efforts are invaluable in making Clare a place where everyone feels they truly belong,
Go raibh maith agaibh,
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council.
Introduction to the Community Integration Forum
The role of the Community Integration Forum is to co-ordinate and provide collaboration across the mainstream services, NGO, community and voluntary organisations for Ukrainian refugees, IP applicants and Those with Status, and where applicable, the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP).
This forum acts as a collaborative network and working group for the supports being provided. Driven and chaired by the Chief Executive of the Local Authority, the Group consists of the representatives of key stakeholders and service providers at management level within the county.
What do Community Integration Forums do?
Local Authority Integration Teams (LAITs) are also part of Community Integration Forums. These forums include representatives from key agencies like the HSE, Regional Education and Training Boards, and various community organisations. They work together to coordinate support for Refugees and International Protection applicants in the area.
The main areas of support from Community Integration Forums include:
• Education
• Integration and community support
• Pathways to employment
• Information on new accommodation centres in your area
• And much more…
Local Authority Integration Teams
What do Local Authority Integration Teams (LAITs) do?
The main job of LAITs is to help International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) residents find and use local services, such as healthcare, education, employment and community activities. Here’s how the LAIT teams can help:
• Finding services: LAITs guide you to the services you need. They work with many local organisations to make sure you get the right support.
• Support in Accommodation Centres: LAITs visit accommodation centres to listen to residents and provide information on services and local events etc.
• Providing Information: LAITs offer helpful information through clinics in your accommodation centre or at another local location.
LAITs are here to make your life in Ireland easier and help you integrate into the community. For more information, please contact your local LAIT representative. You can find contact details for your LAIT team on LocalGov.ie https://www.localgov.ie/lait-contact-details
Applicants for International Protection (IP)
WHO DO LAITS SUPPORT?
Refugees who have been resettled in Ireland through a government programme
People who have been granted refugee status or other forms of protection, such as subsidiary protection or permission to remain
Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs)
Connecting with services such as job training, English classes, education, and apprenticeships
Linking with nongovernmental organisations and other required services
Holding meetings in local areas and using community development principles to help those who attend
Offer guidance on how to apply for financial support, medical help, child benefits, and other services
WHAT SERVICES DO LAITS PROVIDE?
Assist to access public services
Connecting with services like legal help, childcare and healthcare
Supporting people if they face racism or other unfair treatment
Clare Local Development Company
Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT)
The Department of Education has put in place a system of Regional Education and Language Teams hosted by the 16 regional Education and Training Boards (ETBs) to support the education needs of children from a migrant background arriving in Ireland.
A core function of the REALT is to help families to find a school place. This work involves working with the families, school principals and communities to locate school places, providing relevant information as well as signposting to supports across the system.
The Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board REALT Team can be contacted by email on REALT@lcetb.ie or by phone on 086 440 8220. For school placement in Clare please contact aisling.wheeler@lcetb.ie
College of Further Education and Training
Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board College of Further Education and Training offer an extensive choice of full and part-time education and training opportunities, including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) across both Limerick and Clare. Information on courses on offer can be found on https://collegeoffet.ie/our-courses/
The College of Further Education and Training provides information and guidance to potential learners to help make decisions in relation to educational opportunities and course choices. Email coursechoices@lcetb.ie FREEPHONE 1800 70 70 77 Website: https://collegeoffet.ie/
Mid West HSE
Migrant Health Support Team HSE Mid-West
hseukrainesupport@hse.ie 087-6595261
GP Services
Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (Ukrainians)
Clinics in Lisdoonvarna and Limerick City
If you do not have an assigned GP please ring 087-1869697 for an appointment
International Protection Applicants If you do not have an assigned GP you can attend our Inclusion Clinic in Limerick City, Thursday afternoon 2.00pm to 4.30pm
Minor Injury Clinic
Ennis General Hospital, Gort Road V95 HN29
This clinic treats recent injuries that are: non-life treating
Unlikely to need a hospital admission
For Example broken bones, dislocations and minor burns.
No appointment needed
Dental Services
Over 16years of age must attend a private dentist who accepts medical cards.
Children 16 years and under (emergency only).
Can ring 065 6894731 between 9.00am and 9.30am Monday to Friday
Mental Health Services
Contact your GP, if your GP is not available please contact the Crisis Mental Health Team in University Hospital Limerick 061-301111 or present in person to the Accident and Emergency Unit of University Hospital Limerick and ask for Crisis Mental Health Team https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/
Clare Child Care
Address: Block 2, Kilrush Road, Ennis, Co Clare, V95 YP70
Website: www.gov.ie/intreo
Email: ennis@welfare.ie
Phone number: 0818 405060
Ennis Intreo Centre
TFI Local Link
TFI (Transport For Ireland) Local Link is involved in the provision of access to relevant, timely and safe public transport services on an equitable basis to residents in our operational area to enable them to be active participants in society.
For timetables, fares and further information visit www.locallinklc.ie or phone 065 6719101
Clarecare Together We Care
Clarecare has been operating for over 56 years providing a unique range of support services to people throughout County Clare. It is the largest Clare-based, not for profit, social enterprise and charity organisation providing services across all age categories.
We deliver three core services – Addiction Treatment, Care of the Older Person and Family Support to meet the needs of our service users from a physical, emotional and psychosocial perspective.
Contact us by email: info@clarecare.ie
Citizens Information
Clare Sports Partnership
Clare Sports Partnership creates opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in sport and physical activity. By providing leadership and support, our aim is to increase participation in sport and physical activity throughout County Clare.
We deliver programmes and initiatives countywide, to the following target groups:
• Sedentary Women
• Sedentary Men
• Older Adults
• People with Disabilities
• Pre-school, Primary and Post-Primary School Children
• Disadvantaged Youths
• Minority Communities
We also provide training and supports for clubs and volunteers.
For further information on any of our programmes or training courses, please visit our website – www.claresports.ie or phone 065 686 5434.
Facebook/Instagram/X/LinkedIn - @claresports
Clare Libraries
Killaloe Ballina Family Resource Centre
COUNSELLING
Our counselling service is operated by a supervised, professional team, overseen by fully qualified counsellors, offering confidential counselling and play therapy services to young people, adults, couples and families.
FAMILY SUPPORT
We provide a range of Family Support Services to families, incl. one-to-one confidential supports, referral pathways to support services, groups and training, to make the day-today challenges of family life a little easier to manage.
RECEPTION/ADMIN SERVICES
We offer photocopying and printing services, as well as support with filling out forms and dealing with departments, incl. INTREO, Revenue, DSP, etc . We can refer to other support services incl. MABS, Employability Services, CIS.
PARTICIPATION
We work with a range of services in providing educational courses, services and events as an opportunity to help build skills, friendships, meaningful interactions, and peer support to improve confidence, connections and self-esteem.
YOUTHWORK
We support activities, projects and programmes by CYS and others for young people of all ages in our community.
Northwest Clare Family Resource Centre
NWCFRC supports individuals and families, focusing on early years, education, youth, parenting, and mental health. Our services include:
• Family Support
• Childcare
• Parent and Toddler Groups
• Youth Club and Youth Programmes
• Parenting Courses
• Baby Massage
• Counselling and Play Therapy
• Homework Club, Food Cloud, Drop-in
• CE Scheme, Adult Education
• Men’s Shed, Women’s Group, Community Garden
We maintain inclusion and integration in all of our work, including working with the Travelling community and families with international protection, temporary protection and refugee status.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.northwestclarefamilyresourcecentre.com https://www.facebook.com/northwestclarefamilyresourcecentre/ Parliament Street, Ennistymon, County Clare, V95 NX86 065-7071144
FOR MIGRANTS NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS
NARIC
NARIC Ireland provides advice on the academic recognition of a foreign qualification by comparing it, where possible, to a major award type and level on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Phone: +353 1 905 8100
Legal Aid Board
An independent statutory body responsible for the provision of civil legal aid and advice, family mediation and vulnerable witness related services and for the administration of a number of ad hoc legal aid schemes.
Phone: 066 947 1000 LoCall: 0818 615 200
Email: info@legalaidboard.ie
Irish Red Cross
Today the Irish Red Cross maintains an active network of over 3,000 volunteers at 75 branch locations based in large and small communities throughout the Republic of Ireland. We are also a committed member of the global Red Cross Red Crescent Movement – a global humanitarian network of 80 million people that helps those facing disaster, conflict, and health and social problems.
General Enquiries: Phone: +353 (0)1-642-4600
Email: info@redcross.ie Website: www.redcross.ie
Helping Irish Hosts
Helping Irish Hosts (HIH) was formed by a group of hosts, working together with displaced and Irish-based Ukrainians, to get people into Irish homes – quickly – to give them a soft landing, while avoiding Direct Provision and long term government accommodation stays.
Phone: 01 263 0360 Email: hello@helpingirishhosts.com or support@helpingirishhosts.com Website: www.helpingirishhosts.com
017645854
info@irishrefugeecouncil.ie
admin@mmigrantcouncil ie 016740200 016740202
018897570
0830755387
n e i l @ m r c i i e
N a s c
reception@nascireland ie 0214273594
0830802378 06131032 D o r a s
info@doras org
Phone: 061 310328
Mobile (and WhatsApp): 083 0802378 (24/7) Migrant Victim Support: 083 0086391 Ukraine Support Line: 083 0391819 Email info@doras.org
S p i r a s i
info@spirasi ie 018389664
CLARE MABS
The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is a free, independent, confidential and non- judgmental money advice and budgeting service. Phone: 0818 07 2430 Email: ennis@mabs.ie
ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie
Labour MarketLMAUqueries@justice.ie
International Protection Officeinfo@ipo.gov.ie +353 1 602 8000
International Protection Appealsinfo@protectionappeals.ie 1800 201 458
Temporary Residence Certtrcrenewals@ipo.gov.ie
Immigration Service Delivery www.irishimmigration.ie
Emergency Services
Ennis General Hospital
Gort Road, Lifford, Ennis, Clare, V95
HN29
Phone: 065 682 4464
Samaritans
If you’re having a difficult time
• Signs you may be struggling to cope
• Support groups for people bereaved by suicide
• I want to kill myself
Free Phone: 116 123 - day or night
Shannondoc
If you have an urgent medical problem outside of surgery hours, please visit www.shannondoc.ie or phone the local number: 0818 123 500
Essential Services
Clare Women’s Network
Phone: 085 155 4800 / 083 892 4700
Primary Care Social Work Services
Phone: 065 686 3808
Ennis Court Services
Phone: 065 686 7500
Men Overcoming Violent Emotions
MOVE
Phone: 086 414 9613
Probation Service
Phone: 065 864 5952
Clare Mental Health Services
Phone: 065 686 3710
Clare County Council Homeless Action
Team
Phone: 065 684 6291
Rape Crisis Centre
The centres provide direct support to hundreds of survivors of sexual violence every year.
If you need help finding your local centre, please log on to www.rapecrisishelp.ie
24 Hour Helpline on 1800 778 888
Drop in to a Local Service: https://www. rapecrisishelp.ie/find-a-service/
Clare Haven
Clare Haven Services is a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the rights of women and children to live and grow in a peaceful non-violent home environment. Helping those experiencing domestic abuse which inhibits women making their own choices.
Abbey Lodge, Limerick Road Ennis, Co.
Clare V95 KR72
24hr Confidential Help Line
+353 (0)65 682 2435
Civil Defence
Civil Defence Officer: Mr. Steven Hayes
Clare County Council, Quin Road Campus, Quin Road, Ennis, Co. Clare
V95 VW74
Telephone: (065) 6899030
Mobile: (086) 0732222
Email: shayes@clarecoco.ie https:// www.civildefence.ie/units/clare/
Offer A Home
Integration and Ukrainian Services Department
Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, Ennis, County Clare
V95 DXP2
Telephone: (065) 6846528
