Claddagh Report

www.claddagh.org.au Crisis Support: 0403 972 265

13/15 Bonner Drive Malaga 6090. Enquiries: 08 9249 9213

Covid-19: Claddagh’s response

COVID-19 has had a significant effect on Claddagh’s work and activities. The committee has indefinitely postponed Claddagh’s face to face Seniors events, volunteer trainings, and visiting activities with Seniors. Our coordinator, Anne Wayne continues to staff our office, but it is now only open by appointment. The Seniors subcommittee have undertaken the task of personally calling every Claddagh Senior. These calls have been a great chance to catch up with our Seniors friends, check that they are keeping well during COVID-19, assess whether they need any extra support or financial help, and find out who would like to receive weekly calls from a Claddagh volunteer. These initial calls are almost finished, and we will shortly begin matching those Seniors who have asked for weekly calls with Claddagh volunteers who are keen to help. We’ve created a page on our website which we’ll update with news and share our latest resources claddagh.org.au/1690-2/. Give us a like on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay in touch!

REQUESTS FOR SUPPORT

Claddagh’s mission to help and support members of the Irish community in difficult circumstances has never been so necessary as during COVID-19. To give you an idea of the scale of demand for our services we’ve compared our work with last year. During 2018-2019, Claddagh responded to 59 requests for support. In the ten months of the 2019- 2020 year, Claddagh have responded to 167 requests for support. This includes 118 requests for support during the pandemic. So far, during the 6 weeks of COVID-19, Claddagh have responded to exactly double the requests we received in the previous year. Claddagh’s support work during COVID-19 has covered three main areas – returning to Ireland, remaining lawfully in Australia and dealing with financial difficulties because of job loss. Many people have needed support and information about returning home to Ireland, including availability of flights, exemptions for travel, requirements on entering Ireland and referrals to support organisations in Ireland. Immediate travel back to Ireland is not an option for some Irish here on temporary visas and we have supported these people with visa information and referrals. Grateful thanks to Patricia Halley, Visa4You, and Tony Coates, both of whom are Claddagh members and migration agents. They volunteer their expertise not only to Claddagh but occasionally to Irish support organisations in other Australian states too. With their help Claddagh developed a visa infographic about the best way to remain lawfully in Australia in common visa scenarios. You can find the latest version of the infographic on our website: claddagh.org.au/

covid-19-visa-information/

The widespread job losses during COVID-19 have hit immigrants on temporary visas particularly hard. We have received many queries from Irish who are now unemployed, living off savings and making enormous efforts to find new jobs. Claddagh are supporting these people with advice and focussing our financial assistance on those within this group who are in crisis and whose current circumstances pose a threat to their life or wellbeing.

In Remembrance Claddagh were saddened to learn recently of the deaths of two Claddagh members who were dearly loved and will be missed by all here. Tony Kelly was on the first committee set up to establish the Irish welfare group that is now Claddagh. We will miss his good humour and sense of fun. Sincere condolences to Mary, Brian, Jennifer and all Tony’s family and friends in Australia and Ireland. Marie Moloney will be sadly missed by all the Claddagh Seniors. She rarely missed any of our events and always had a smile for everyone. Marie was keen to assist in any way she could, not least with her witty pieces in the Irish Scene about our seniors’ events. Her friendship and laughter will be very much missed. Our sincere condolences to Richard and all Marie’s family and friends.

Seniors Outing The Claddagh Seniors group celebrated St Patrick’s Day early, on 9 March and they were able to gather before COVID-19 took hold. The 100 strong group enjoyed a delicious traditional Irish lunch at the Mighty Quinn tavern in Tuart Hill. Music by the talented Broken Pokers got everyone up and dancing and a great day was had by all. We can’t wait to meet all the Seniors face to face for more events in the future but in the meantime, we wish everyone good health and safe quarantining.

Support the Claddagh Association

VOLUNTEER

As soon as the reality of COVID-19 became apparent, Claddagh received calls from numerous members of the Irish community in WA offering to volunteer to support fellow Irish in WA. It was remarkable how many people wanted to reach out, connect and help others. The Irish values of friendship, generosity and service to the community were strongly expressed amid the pandemic. Claddagh have now invited those who volunteered to be part of our weekly phone calls to Seniors and we’re working on other areas where we will need Volunteer support. If you would also like to help you can contact Claddagh Coordinator Anne Wayne on admin@claddagh. org.au/08 9249 9213.

DONATIONS

Thank you so much to those members of the Irish community who, since the pandemic started, have made personal donations to Claddagh or been part of fundraisers on our behalf. A big shoutout to Southern Districts GAC for their fundraiser over Anzac weekend and the promotion on social media! This support is invaluable because the events where we traditionally raise money at this time of the year have been cancelled yet the need in the Irish community will only increase as the pandemic progresses. The committee, through our strategic planning process, had already set an ambitious fundraising target of $60,000 for 2020 to cover our casework. With the onset of the pandemic we believe that will now need to raise $100,000. We know what a uncertain time this is for nearly everyone and Claddagh do not want anyone to put themselves at risk, but if you are in a position to make a donation, however small, this would be gratefully received for our support work. Your tax-deductible donation will help Claddagh continue its work in support of Irish people in difficult circumstances here in WA. With the end of financial year on 30 June around the corner, now is a great time to make a contribution. Donations can be made at our GiveNow page: www.givenow.com.au/ thecladdaghassociation or via bank transfer to Claddagh’s account. The details are: Bank: Commonwealth Bank Acc name: The Claddagh Association BSB: 066153 Acc no: 10771928 Ref: Your initial & surname +DON