Building connections - A guide for new arrivals in County Clare

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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,

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

The Green, Killaloe, Co. Clare V94 W7X6

061-374741

reception@kbfrc.ie

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

EPIC Programme

EPIC helps unemployed and job-ready asylum seekers, refugees and migrants living in Ireland to increase their chances of finding a job through online training, individual support and partnering with businesses. EPIC run new training courses every three weeks. Website: https://bitc.ie/programmes/jobseekers/epicprogramme/

Irish Refugee Council

017645854

info@irishrefugeecouncil.ie

Immigrant Council of Ireland

admin@mmigrantcouncil.ie

016740200

016740202

Migrant Rights Centre Ireland

018897570

0830755387

neil@mrci.ie

Nasc

reception@nascireland.ie 0214273594

0830802378 06131032 Doras

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

Spirasi

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

GOVERNMENT

International Protection

Accommodation Services

ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie

Department of Justice

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

Emergency Services

“I NEED AN AMBULANCE/POLICE/FIRE SERVICE”
“MY ADDRESS IS____”

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

Community Integration Forum

WEST CLARE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE

Building Connections

O’GORMAN STREET, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE

info@westclarefrc.ie 0659052173

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