The Programme for Social inclusion and community activation programme (Sicap) for 2018-2023 is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Rural Development and Communities and is co-financed by the European Social Fund within the framework of the Programme of Employment, Inclusion and Training (PEIL) for 2014-2020.

Through the programmes we run, we work with individuals, community groups and other institutions to improve the quality of life for everyone in our region. We work especially with those who need help most, and strive to create real chances for people to make positive changes for themselves and their communities in the Galway County rural areas.

What to do when you arrive in Ireland

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Ukrainian embassy

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For information provided by the Department of Justice - Click here

For information provided by the Refugee Council - Click here

If you are granted temporary protection, you can get help to find a place to stay if you need it.

You must notify immigration workers on arrival that you need a place to stay. You will be directed to the International Security Accommodation Service (IPAS).

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For more information on accommodation and housing Click here

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has information about healthcare services for Ukrainians in Ireland.

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The Ukrainian community in Ireland has created a list of Ukrainian speaking psychotherapists from Kyiv Gestalt University, who offer free counselling advice

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Supports provided by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

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Useful tips from the Irish National Teachers Organization for your child's first steps in primary school

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Parents are supported by the National Parents Council primary information helpline

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A Parent’s Guide to childcare in Ireland.

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The Children and Family Agency (TUSLA) is a dedicated state agency responsible for improving the wellbeing and outcomes for children. It also provides support to Ukrainian children and parents.

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Supports for children with disabilities to access early childhood care and education

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Regional Educational and Language Groups (REALT) were established within the Local Learning Councils (ETB). This service will help you find school locations, as well as support schools to meet the needs of children

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Galway Rural Development are offering the following FREE training courses to Ukrainians based in county Galway:

· Manual Handling

· HAACP

· Safe pass

· CV and Interview skills

Some courses may be delivered in Ukrainian. Translators may also be made available, if possible, for courses.

If you are interested in taking part, please contact Oksana Borodiienko at 087 1177448 or email oksana.borodiienko@grd.ie to register.

The location, date and time of the courses will be arranged according to demand and subject to the availability of funding.

Galway Rural Development -Booklet on Tips and Advice for Employment

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The Migrants Rights Centre of Ireland - Employment booklet.

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QQI Supports for Displaced Ukraine Nationals.

The National Qualification Agency in Ireland has created a guidebook for Ukrainians who want to confirm their qualification documents (diplomas of all levels of education, employment records, work experience), as well as practical qualifications in the specialty. The guide is available for download in Ukrainian.

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You can travel for free with subsidised public transport services (Irish Railway, Eireann, Go-Ahead Ireland, Dublin Bus and LUAS) for 7 days after arriving in Ireland for travel to the final destination. It also covers local transport services.

You must produce either:

Your Ukrainian passport or identity document issued by the government, as well as proof that you have arrived in Ireland within the last 7 days

or

Confirmation of status from a coordinating group or charitable organization involved in supporting Ukrainians affected by the crisis situation in Ukraine

After this period you can pay for public transport in cash right before the trip or use the "pass" -Leap Card

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Advice for Ukrainian drivers

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Many banks have made it easier to open a bank account if you come to Ireland from Ukraine.

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You need a photo ID, usually a passport or ID card (you can use an expired ID), a temporary authorization letter and a PPS number.

You also need proof of your residence address:

This can be a signed letter on behalf of the person who provided you with housing/with whom you live, together with the actual paid utility bill

or

A letter on the letterhead of the institution (for example, a hotel) signed by the manager if you are in a temporary placement provided by the Irish State.

How to open a bank account with Allied Irish Bank (AIB) - Click here

How to open a bank account at Bank of Ireland (BOI) - Click here

How to open a Credit Union account - Click here

How to open an An Post account - Click here

Western Union money transfers are also available throughout Ireland. This service can be used both online and in the nearest branch of An Post.

All Ukrainians who live or have recently arrived in Ireland can take advantage of free standard postage on letters and parcels to Ukraine at your local post office.

You can send parcels and letters using the Standard Post service. An Post does not provide packaging services.

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If you do not have a secure postal address, you can use the Address Point service from An Post

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An Post provides a FREE mobile phone SIM card that will be used for three months for free.

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You can get free access to computers and the Internet in any public library. You can contact the local library to learn more about how to use these services. All libraries in Ireland are connected to the same network, so wherever you are in Ireland, you can use any library services in your area.

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Western Union money transfers are also available throughout Ireland. This service can be used both online and in the nearest branch of the national postal service An Post.

In this section, follow the links below to learn about the attractions and upcoming events in Galway County, such as art exhibitions, festivals, concerts, fairs, etc.

GIAF.IE

GALWAYTOURISM.IE

THISISGALWAY.IE

VISITGALWAY.IE

TRIPADVISOR.COM

Galway Rural development has created a guide to Rural Resources in the County

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Tusla guide: For parents who are newly arrived in Ireland

This short guide was written to help parents who have recently arrived in Ireland. The guide provides information to help families navigate cultural differences, laws and ways of parenting, which may be different to their country of origin.

Included in this document is some practical guidance that we hope will help parents to navigate the early years of a child’s life while in Ireland, from pre-school childcare and the schooling system, right through to child supervision and family support services. This guide has been developed with input from families who have recently arrived in IrelandItem description

Parents Guide