We now have experience with getting several families settled in Ireland. Here's what we've learned. It's best to set up a local action group with defined responsibilities so everyone does not duplicate roles. Set up a What's App group for coordinated communication. I will keep updating this page as we learn more.
1. Social media is a critical means of ongoing communication with the Ukrainians arriving in Ireland and with their relatives at home. Their mobile service stops working at the border, but Facebook Messenger works everywhere (except Russia) with WiFi. So having WiFi at the accommodation is essential. The Facebook page for Ukrainians in Ireland is very helpful.
2. Their devices use European two-pronged plugs so they will need multiple adapters from EU to Irish three-pronged for recharging devices ASAP.
3. SIM cards (unlocked for calls to Ukraine) are the second thing they need. This enables them to communicate with community volunteers and family when they are outside the home without WiFi. An Post has started supplying free SIM cards to Ukrainian refugees.
4. They should immediately make an appointment with the local INTREO Office to register for a PPS number. It takes a long time to fill out the forms. Pick them up in advance and fill them out before the appointment. PPS number enables access to all social and medical services. It also allows people to work.
5. Organise the community around them for transport. They don't have cars so they will need to get to shops, to interviews, to government offices, and to schools and churches. Spare bicycles can be handy in improving mobility. Access to public transport can be vital and needs to be explained. Consider organising a local transport minibus route.
6. Ukrainians speak either Ukrainian or Russian, but they are by conviction wholly Ukrainian. Try to organize a translation capability for the community.
7. Both the Church and the GAA can be great social and support links to families in the area. Ukrainians are mostly either Orthodox Christian or Byzantine rite Catholic and for the most part deeply religious. The Orthodox may not think they are allowed to attend services in the Roman Catholic parishes so they need to be invited.
8. The schools have been remarkably supportive and welcoming. There has been no question about children attending the National Schools and receiving full support in terms of books, bags and uniforms. We have even created a registration form in Ukrainian and English in Google docs which we will gladly share. iPads with Google Translate are really useful in the first days. A few cards that will help communicate needs like going to the toilet will help.
9. Social Welfare payments will start Wednesday 16/03/22 at An Post office. Bring passport and letter with PPS number. (Be sure to write down your PPS numbers on a separate card first so you have them later.) Once signed up, the payments will come every month. https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/abf3e-social-welfare-supports-for-ukrainian-citizens-arriving-in-ireland-under-the-temporary-protection-directive/ PSC cards are necessary for welfare payments.
10. Medical cards are offered to Ukrainians in Ireland. The information about how to obtain medical cards will be updated here.
11. Jobs are important for preserving self-esteem. The hospitality sector is in need of staff and has been interviewing Ukrainians who arrive and are able and willing to work, which is just about everyone, although some knowledge of English is required. Create a liaison, someone in the local business community, to forward resumes to local businesses.
Assistance with a job search can be found here.
12. Many businesses have offered donations of clothing and other supplies to refugees, many of whom arrive with just the clothes on their backs. Appoint a local contact for businesses that would like to contribute.
13. The Community Family Resource Centres have experience with support services like the translation of pamphlets with vital information and language courses for adults. Let them know what you need. Identify Ukrainians who have both English and Ukrainian skills to assist.
14. People arriving in Ireland having fled the war in Ukraine can now travel to their final destination for free on Expressway and Bus Éireann services. Also now train service is free for Ukrainian refugees.
15. English for beginners, for Ukrainians in Ireland with a Ukrainian-language teacher.
Beginners. Higher levels are possible, depending on demand
Classes will be held on zoom on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 18.15 - 19.15 pm.
The first meeting is on Wednesday, March 16.
Welcome!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/5650921101...
Meeting ID: 565 092 1101
Passcode: hhxJ6g
16. Secondary schools are accepting students but require a bit more planning. School bus has to be arranged separately from the school and directly with the company providing bus service for insurance purposes.
17. An Post will provide social welfare payments. You must come in person with your PPS letter and photo ID after the 5th of every month once registered.
18. An Post will also provide money transfers between Ukraine and Ireland with fees waived for the first year. Also, they will provide a current bank account for refugees and free postage for letters and packages to Ukraine. https://www.facebook.com/120409074730549/posts/4628562977248447/.
19. My Health, My Language (added 09/11/22)
Find information about the public healthcare system and common health topics in your language.
About the Irish Health Service
The guide is in three parts;
• Part 1 gives information on how to access different types of health care, the services that are free, and how the GP, Pharmacy and hospital systems work.
• Part 2 gives information about specialist services (dental treatments, eye tests, hearing aids, vaccinations) and some of the staff you may meet in the health system.
• Part 3 advises what to do in an emergency.
Useful websites:
Ukrainian Crisis Centre in Ireland
Irish Red Cross
Ukraine Take Shelter
