It’s hard to imagine anything as daunting as having to start a new life far from home, surrounded by strangers in a very different culture. But it’s something Irish people have done for generations. Maybe because it’s an experience we’re so familiar with, we’re renowned for our warm hospitality. Now, at-risk families fleeing conflict and persecution are looking for safety, and somewhere to call home here in Ireland. 

And you can help to make that huge transition a little easier.

Through the Community Sponsorship Ireland programme local community groups can extend a hand of friendship and directly help vulnerable families to settle in their locality. The Irish Red Cross leads the programme, supported by Nasc, Irish Refugee Council and Doras.

Families invited to Ireland under the programme have experienced enormous upheaval and trauma and are living in perilous situations. Very often they have lost homes, livelihoods and family members and it is unsafe for them to remain in their home country. Now, accommodation and sponsors are urgently needed to support 15 at-risk families from Syria currently in Lebanon, waiting for accommodation. Through the Community Sponsorship Ireland programme, you can help give these families safety, stability, and a fresh start; making a life-changing difference. 

The Community Sponsorship Ireland groups are supported with training and information so that they have the practical know-how and skills to help families feel welcome and give them hope as they start a new life.

So far this year, six Community Sponsorship Groups have been formed in Cork, Kerry, Offaly, Dublin, Waterford and Galway. And 11 more groups are in development. Groups of wonderful, ‘doers’ making a huge difference to people as they try to rebuild shattered lives.

Visit our website to find out more about Community Sponsorship Ireland and how to get started. You’ll find the answers to many questions, ‘things to consider’, and a library of ‘recommended reads’, application forms and booklets. Or better still, call us on 1800 753 343 or email info@communitysponsorship.ie We’d be delighted to explain how the process works.  

Because everyone deserves to feel safe. Everyone deserves to feel welcome. And everyone should have somewhere to call home. 

Irish Red Cross is the national support organisation for the Community Sponsorship Ireland Programme and is supported by NASC, Doras and Irish Refugee Council. Our work is funded by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration (DOJHAM) and the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021-2027. Community Sponsorship Ireland is a key initiative under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP).