Migrant integration

Migrant integration
Integration of migrants is an area of work where we connect with people who are not originally from Ireland to make their voices heard an develop ways to facilitate their active participation in Irish society. Interaction happens in a variety of ways, from individual supports and thematic groups to information sessions and web-based interaction.

The Partnership supports Tallaght Women on the Move (previously FM-WEPON), a group which gives space, a voice and visibility to migrant women living and/or working in Tallaght area.

We manage a Facebook page, Dodder Valley Diversity where you can find out what is happening in the area: policy updates, meetings, sessions, cultural events etc.

The New Communities Forum offers a space to migrants living in the area to voice their issues and concerns and develop a collective response. The topics are explored together with professionals in particular areas and questions are answered in the forum. One-to–one meetings are also arranged if required. To date, topics such as citizenship, long term residency, medical and GP visit card, access to education and housing, have all been explored. The New Communities forum also provide a space for people to meet, get to know each other and network.

The Roma Families Support Group focuses on the specific issues and needs of Roma families living in Tallaght area. This is a cooperative action between the HSE, Access Ireland, Pavee Point, Tallaght Probation service, National Educational Welfare Board, South Dublin County Childcare Committee, Dodder Valley Partnership and members of the Roma community.

The Ethnic Minority Health Forum is an advocacy group that aims to address specific health issues of migrants and ethnic minorities. This is a collaborative action between Dodder Valley Partnership, CPLN Partnership, the Drop-in Centre and Clondalkin Women’s Network.

The Integration project also offers one-to-one support for people to address specific issues and needs of individuals, such as immigration policies, migrant workers rights, access to health services, education and sport.

For more information, please contact, Zuzana Tesarova, 01 4664246

Migrant Drop-in centre
Since 2010 the Drop-in centre for migrants is part of the Partnership’s activities. The centre, based in St. Maelruain’s Church grounds in Tallaght Village, is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings for walk-in and referral services and volunteer-led English language classes on an individual basis or in small groups. On Wednesday mornings a special Women’s Group offers informal sessions for female migrants, including taster courses and information on subjects such as parenting, global citizenship, health, childcare services etc. During the summer, the drop-in service organises family excursions to places of interest in the area.

For more information please contact Louise Keating on 087 2486392.