Organisation

Longford Women's Link

Project

Multi Ethnic Longford – Phase 3

Measure

Integration

Total cost of project

€61,312.62

Total ERF awarded

€30,656.31

Brief description

Based on their experience of the work to date, Longford Women's Link now need to test the model of peer education which is currently being developed.  Training of peer educators will take place in 2004.  It is envisaged that discussions will take place with relevant local and national decision-makers as to where the project can effectively be delivered in current mainstream service delivery.  The project seeks to build on work to date to create strategic models for action resource, developing pathways to integration for refugees.  Initially, the model will be developed for use in Longford but this will have a national application and will be disseminated to allow other regions to adapt the model for local use.

Organisation

International Organisation for Migration

(IOM)

Project

Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme for Unaccompanied Minors (VAARP)

Measure

Repatriation

Total cost of project

€148,144.34

Total ERF awarded

€74,072.17

Brief description

In continuing this pilot project for a further twelve months, IOM Dublin aims to assist a further 50 unaccompanied minors living in Ireland who wish to return voluntarily to their home countries and reunite their families.  The project will continue to contribute towards the Irish Government's efforts in developing and applying good practices to assist unaccompanied minors, when voluntary return is deemed to be in their best interests, through a multi-agency approach.

Organisation

International Organisation for Migration

(IOM)

Project

Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme for Nationals of Sub-Saharan African Countries, in Ireland (SSAC)

Measure

Repatriation

Total cost of project

€561,838.00

Total ERF awarded

€75,000.00

Brief description

This project aims to assist the Irish Government's efforts to facilitate the voluntary return and reintegration of asylum seekers from sub-Saharan African countries residing in Ireland.  This project aims to assist 300 persons over a period of 12 months.  It is envisaged that applicants to the programme shall primarily be from Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana and DRC, although other nationals within the geographic remit will also benefit.

Organisation

Spiritan Asylum Seekers Initiative (SPIRASI)

Project

The Centre for the Care of Survivors of Torture (CCST)

Measure

Reception

Total cost of project

€545,415.71

Total ERF awarded

€91,971.71

Brief description

The CCST is the only specialist centre in Ireland for the care and rehabilitation of those who have survived torture and trauma in their pre-migratory environment.  Current activities include: Medico-legal assessment, medical consultation and referrals, psychosocial support services, provision of complimentary therapies, counselling and psychotherapy, vocational guidance counselling, public awareness and training.

Organisation

Canal Community Partnership

Project

Intercultural Drop-in-Centre

Measure

Integration

Total cost of project

€111,057.97

Total ERF awarded

€31,977.97

Brief description

This project is designed to act as a bridge between the immigrant population and the Irish community and mainstream service providers as well as an intercultural resource for all the community.

Organisation

The Irish Immigrant Support Centre (NASC)

Project

NASC

The Irish Immigrant Support Centre

Measure

Integration

Total cost of project

€208,218.00

Total ERF awarded

€40,000.00

Brief description

NASC seeks to create an environment of social inclusion for all communities based on principles of equality, social inclusion and human rights.  Prescribing to a framework of Community Development and participation by immigrant communities, the Centre provides a varied range of information and services to immigrants and other interested parties. In addition, NASC continually strive to highlight pertinent issues, provide information, undertake research, assist with policy analysis and advocate with and on behalf of immigrant communities.

Organisation

Irish Refugee Council (IRC)

Project

Ennis Refugee Integration and Reception Service

Measure

Integration

Total cost of project

€188,778.45

Total ERF awarded

€88,473.45

Brief description

The ethos and practice of this project seek to support the involvement of refugees/asylum seekers in many different for a related to their lives i.e. local committees and organisations. Providing ongoing support, training and resources to the refugee community will ensure that members of the community will actively engage in their new environment to the mutual benefit of all.

Organisation

Tralee Refugee Support Services

Project

Drop-in Centre

Measure

Reception

Total cost of project

€289,097.00

Total ERF awarded

€50,000.00

Brief description

The project seeks to continue the operation of a Drop-in Centre in Tralee which meets and co-ordinates the information and support needs of asylum seekers in the Tralee area.  In response to an identified need the project hopes this year to establish a drop-in crèche facility within the Centre.  Funding permitting, it hoped also to have an after-school homework club for older children.

Organisation

Jesuit Refugee Service Ireland (JRS)

Project

Community Links Project

Measure

Integration

Total cost of project

€128,360.00

Total ERF awarded

€64,180.00

Brief description

This project seeks to consolidate and further develop the substantial groundwork begun in October 2002.  It does this through initiating programmes and facilitating events leading to integration between local and refugee communities in the inner city especially in Dublin 1.  The project is primarily concerned with attitudinal change through participative activities which include – informal adult learning initiatives, fostering a climate of mutual listening between people from other cultures and local Irish residents.  Encouraging and facilitating situations where non threatening interaction between newly arrived and traditional local communities can take place.  Enabling diverse communities to focus together on areas of potential improvement for the benefit of all the residents.

Organisation

Doras Luimni

Project

Doras Luimni  (Integration Module)

Measure

Integration

Total cost of project

€99,803.00

Total ERF awarded

€39,921.00

Brief description

Systems will be put in place to enable refugees to become integrated into the host society, to access work and follow a career path. A housing officer will be designated with the specific task of helping refugees to find accommodation; a support system will be set up for young mothers and other women.  Seminars, training courses etc. will be made available; counselling and advice sessions will be held weekly for those with problems or those who need guidance or support; refugees will be encouraged to involve themselves in cultural and inter cultural activities and to seek membership of Irish clubs; they will be encouraged to remain in touch with their native culture and to share it with others.  They will be encouraged to take part in voluntary work, get training and help in obtaining work placements; volunteers will be sought to help teenagers take part in mainstream education. 

Organisation

Doras Luimni

Project

Doras Luimni (Reception Module)

Measure

Reception

Total cost of project

€91,110.00

Total ERF awarded

€36,444.00

Brief description

Aims to provide language classes, computer classes, assistance with accessing legal aid and with the immigration process, form-filling etc.  opportunities to take part in art, sport, music, drama and social events; translation and interpretation services, information pack, assistance in accessing health care, referral to trauma centre in Dublin, counselling services, accessing suitable schools for minors and follow up.  Activities calculated to lessen social exclusion, awareness raising, anti-racism sessions and information days with Irish groups who request this service from time to time, work with mothers and babies/children with particular attention to health matters, food hygiene, nutrition etc. Exploring the possibility of accessing crèche or child-minding facilities, as young mothers living alone in a single room in a crowded hostel with a very young child can easily become depressed.

Organisation

Kerry Action

Development Education (KADE)

Project

Training for County Kerry Local Authorities on refugee issues

Measure

Integration

Total cost of project

€29,280.00

Total ERF awarded

€11,400.00

Brief description

The KADE report, Local issues with Global Connections, the relevance of refugee and asylum issues for local authorities in County Kerry confirmed that there is an interest in and need for awareness and training measures for local authority staff on issues relating to refugees.  There is a need for exploration of the economic, social, cultural aspects of the refugee experience by those who must interact with them locally as part of their work and community life.  This project is designed to act as a pilot, which will be carefully developed and documented and can then serve as a template for further training measures to be delivered to other county authorities.  The project aims to provide knowledge and skills to staff in Kerry County and town Council about the subject matter contained in our report: Local Issues with Global Connections

Organisation

Comhlámh

Project

Integration Ireland – 'Capacity Building Project' 'The National Network of Refugee, Asylum Seekers and Immigrant Support Groups'

Measure

Integration

Total cost of project

€272,748.69

Total ERF awarded

€90,931.69

Brief description

To promote a positive model of integration, to encourage an inter community, voluntary and statutory sector response to the needs of asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants to develop a strong and vibrant representative network.  The aims will be furthered by facilitating regional support groups in their work by providing national co-ordination at a strategic level and by providing practical, capacity building services through the provision of information, resources, training, site support and linking centres of best practice at a national and international level.

Organisation

South Kerry Development Partnership

Project

Asylum Seeker and Refugee Drop-in Centre

Measure

Reception

Total cost of project

€59,713.00

Total ERF awarded

€29,856.50

Brief description

Provision of a drop-in centre in Killarney for asylum seekers and refugees. The project will also include an outreach service to Kenmare and Glenbeigh hostels.  The centre will be staffed by a part-time co-ordinator and a part-time assistant, in addition to voluntary staff.  Central to the management of this project are the members of Killarney Asylum Seekers Initiative (KASI), a voluntary group operating in Killarney for the past four years.

Organisation

Harmony Community Development

Project

Harmony CDP – Refugee Support Project

Measure

Integration

Total cost of project

€104,660.00

Total ERF awarded

€49,660.00

Brief description

Harmony CDP and New Horizon in consultation with the target community identified the need for a more integrated approach to the delivery of supports and services to refugees living in urban Athlone.

Organisation

Galway Refugee Support Group

(GRSG)

Project

Gaillimh le Chéile

Measure

Integration

Total cost of project

€195,947.00

Total ERF awarded

€77,974.00

Brief description

Galway Refugee Support Group has been working with refugees and asylum seekers for 5 years.  In the last year GRSG has become increasingly aware of the complexity of the needs of asylum seekers and refugees, especially in relation to their health needs, it has also become aware of the length of time needed to develop initiatives within the refugee and asylum community.  Because asylum seekers and refugees experience such instability and uncertainty in their lives it can be difficult for them from time to time to engage with the type of initiative described in this application.  GRSG wishes to develop a particular focus on health issues over the next year, especially as it affects women because they are disproportionate users of the health service.