Building connections a guide for new arrivals in County Clare

Building Connections: A guide for new arrivals in County Clare

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Welcome to

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Map of County Clare

Building Connections: a guide for new arrivals in County Clare

Welcome

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.

Building Connections: a guide for new arrivals in County Clare

Building Connections: a guide for new arrivals in County Clare

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.

Table of Contents Introduction to the Community Integration Forum............................... 2 Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT)................................................ 3 Clare Immigrant Support Centre (CISC).................................................. 5 Clare Local Development Company (CLDC)............................................ 6 Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT).............................. 7-8 College of Further Education and Training............................................. 8 Mid West HSE......................................................................................... 9 TUSLA....................................................................................................10 Clare Volunteer Centre..........................................................................11 Clare Child Care.................................................................................... 12 Intreo.................................................................................................... 13 TFI Local Link.........................................................................................14 Clare Youth Service......................................................................... 15-16 Clarecare Together We Care................................................................17 EmployAbility Clare.............................................................................. 18 Citizens Information............................................................................. 19 Clare Sports Partnership ..................................................................... 20 Clare Libraries........................................................................................21 Shannon Family Resource Centre......................................................... 22 Killaloe Ballina Family Resource Centre............................................... 23 West Clare Family Resource Centre......................................................24 Northwest Clare Family Resource Centre............................................ 25 National Organisations for Migrants............................................... 26-29 Emergency Services............................................................................. 30 Essential Services..................................................................................31 Community Intergration Forum............................................................32

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Building Connections: a guide for new arrivals in County Clare

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: • • • • •

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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)

People who have been granted refugee status or other forms of protection, such as subsidiary protection or permission to remain

WHO DO LAITS SUPPORT? Refugees who have been resettled in Ireland through a government programme

Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs)

Building Connections: a guide for new arrivals in County Clare

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Building Connections: a guide for new arrivals in County Clare

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

WHAT SERVICES DO LAITS PROVIDE? Assist to access public services

Offer guidance on how to apply for financial support, medical help, child benefits, and other services

Connecting with services like legal help, childcare and healthcare

Supporting people if they face racism or other unfair treatment

You can contact LAIT team for County Clare by emailing Integration@clarecoco.ie

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Clare Immigrant Support Centre

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Building Connections: a guide for new arrivals in County Clare

Clare Local Development Company

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Building Connections: a guide for new arrivals in County Clare

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/

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Mid West HSE Migrant Health Support Team HSE Mid-West hseukrainesupport@hse.ie 087-6595261

GP Services

Dental Services

Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (Ukrainians)

Over 16years of age must attend a private dentist who accepts medical cards.

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

Children 16 years and under (emergency only).

Can ring 065 6894731 between 9.00am and 9.30am Monday to Friday

Minor Injury Clinic

Mental Health Services

Ennis General Hospital, Gort Road V95 HN29

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/

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

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Building Connections: a guide for new arrivals in County Clare

TUSLA

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Clare Volunteer Centre

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Building Connections: a guide for new arrivals in County Clare

Clare Child Care

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Intreo (The Public Employment Service)

Ennis Intreo Centre Address: Block 2, Kilrush Road, Ennis, Co Clare, V95 YP70 Website: www.gov.ie/intreo Email: ennis@welfare.ie Phone number: 0818 405060

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Building Connections: a guide for new arrivals in County Clare

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

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Clare Youth Service

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Building Connections: a guide for new arrivals in County Clare

Clare Youth Service

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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

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Building Connections: a guide for new arrivals in County Clare

EmployAbility Clare

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Citizens Information

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Building Connections: a guide for new arrivals in County Clare

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

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Clare Libraries

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Building Connections: a guide for new arrivals in County Clare Shannon Family Resource Centre

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Killaloe Ballina Family Resource Centre

CONTACT US

The Green, Killaloe, Co. Clare V94 W7X6 061-374741 reception@kbfrc.ie

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.

www.kbfrc.ie

Building Connections: a guide for new arrivals in County Clare

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BuildingWest Connections: guide forResource new arrivalsCentre in County Clare Clare aFamily

WEST CLARE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE O’GORMAN STREET, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE info@westclarefrc.ie 0659052173

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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

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NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS FOR MIGRANTS

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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

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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

Doras Phone: 061 310328 info@doras.org Mobile (and WhatsApp): 083 0802378 (24/7) 0830802378 Migrant Victim Support: 083 0086391 Ukraine Support Line: 083 0391819 06131032 Email info@doras.org

Spirasi

info@spirasi.ie 018389664

CLARE MABS

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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

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GOVERNMENT

DEPARTMENTS International Protection Accommodation Services ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie

Department of Justice Labour Market LMAUqueries@justice.ie International Protection Office info@ipo.gov.ie +353 1 602 8000 International Protection Appeals info@protectionappeals.ie 1800 201 458 Temporary Residence Cert trcrenewals@ipo.gov.ie

Immigration Service Delivery www.irishimmigration.ie

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Building Connections: a guide for new arrivals in County Clare

Emergency Services

EMERGENCIES FOR FIRE, AMBULANCE AND POLICE, CALL:

112

OR

999

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

12 Ennis General Hospital Gort Road, Lifford, Ennis, Clare, V95 HN29 Phone: 065 682 4464

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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

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Community Integration Forum

WEST CLARE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE

Building Connections

O’GORMAN STREET, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE info@westclarefrc.ie 0659052173