UKRAINIAN LAOIS SUPPORT ASSOCIATION

WE UNITE AND DEVELOP THE UKRAINIAN COMMUNITY IN COUNTY LAOIS

The goal of our organisation is to unite Ukrainians, provide information support and assistance with integration into Irish society as well as consolidation of volunteer efforts in socially significant projects to improve the life of Ukrainian community in county Laois. About

EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN

Having received Temporary Protection Ukrainian children have the opportunity to study in Irish schools from the date of arrival to Ireland. Education in schools is for free. Children also can go to school events and take part in different education games.

ADULT EDUCATION

If you have come to Ireland and can’t speak English it’s not a problem at all. You have the opportunity to attend English courses for free. Also you can go to yoga, cooking, barista, make up and different types of classes.

You are able to go to the University if your knowledge of English is fluent.

PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT

In the face of challenging times, Ukrainians have found strength through psychological support. Coming together in a spirit of unity, we have formed tight-knit community that provides a safe haven for individuals to share their burdens, fears, and hopes. We offer a space where people can process their emotions and experiences related to past traumas or current hardships. By fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness, we empower individuals to find resilience and healing.

SENDING POST

All Ukrainians living or recently arrived in Ireland can avail of free standard postage on letters and parcels to Ukraine at your local Post Office. You can send one parcel for the transaction not more than 2 kilograms for free. But you should be ready that you can’t track your package.

HOBBIES AND SPORT

There are lots of classes you can go to for free. Just go to the LoeTB and ask what they have for you.

You might go to yoga, samba, dance classes and others.

There is also the possibility to play tennis or go to the swimming pool in Portlaoise.

HOLIDAYS

There are five most popular holidays in Ireland such as Easter, The first Monday in May is May Day, Christmas and New Year, St. Stephen’s Day (December 26) and St. Patrick’s Day (March 17).

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

Ukrainian refugees escaping the war in their country can come to Ireland and receive Temporary Protection. This protection means you can get accomodation for free and financial assistance. You also have the opportunity to work, learn English for free or study at a university.

ACCOMMODATION

As Ukrainians come to Ireland they can get help at the airport. The Irish government will find accommodation for Ukrainian people and you can live there for free. Usually you might get a hotel room or be housing in the schools or large sports halls.

If you wish to find accommodation by yourself you can use daft.ie. or Facebook.

EMPLOYMENT

Ukraine citizens can legally work in Ireland after receiving a letter confirming that they have been granted Temporary Protection and Personal Public Service Number.

After this you are able to find a job almost in any sphere you like. You will have the opportunity to work part-time or full-time.

The most popular sites where you can find a job are indeed.com and jobs.ie .

But there are exceptions. For example As non-EU doctors, you require an English exam to showcase proficiency in medical English.

.

HEALTH

After you have received PPS, you have the opportunity to get a medical card. This card gives you the opportunity to visit your doctor and contact the ambulance for medical help. Most of the medicine in Ireland you can get only with the prescription so it is important to apply for a medical card as soon as you get your PPS.

BANKING

You can open a bank account with banks such as AIB and Bank of Ireland. The AIB card you will wait for about a week. Bank of Ireland for more than two weeks. Both banks have apps and you can download it from the app store or play market.

Also you have an opportunity to order a Revolut card by downloading the app. In a few days you will get the card and be able to use it and receive cashback on the certain items.

TRAVEL AND GETTING AROUND

Ireland is an extremely attractive destination for tourism. Dunamas Rock, Emo Park, forests and picturesque lakes are all worth visiting if you’re traveling in Laois.

If you want to go to Dublin you have the opportunity to visit many museums such as the National Gallery of Ireland, The Little Museum of Dublin, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, National Leprechaun Museum and others.

The fastest way to get to Dublin is by train. You can get to Dublin Heuston station in 45 minutes if the train runs non-stop. If you need to get to the airport there is a direct bus. It comes every hour from the centre of Portlaoise and will get you to the Dublin airport in two-three hours.

As you come to Dublin you can use the Luas tram.It’s the easiest and fastest way to get around Dublin.

Ecocide in Ukraine

The ecocide in Ukraine has cast a dark shadow over both the nation itself and the global community. The destruction of the Kahovka dam in Ukraine has unleashed a devastating ecocide, leaving a profound impact not only on the nation but also reverberating across the world. The dam’s collapse triggered massive flooding, causing widespread destruction of ecosystems, agricultural lands, and communities downstream. The loss of habitats and wildlife, coupled with the contamination of water sources, poses serious environmental challenges and threatens local biodiversity. Moreover, the release of vast amounts of stored carbon and sediment into the ecosystem intensifies climate change implications on a global scale. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of our planet’s delicate ecological systems. To address the ecocide caused by the Kahovka dam destruction, international cooperation, emergency relief, and sustainable restoration efforts are paramount to mitigate the far-reaching consequences and safeguard the precious balance of nature for future generations.

We would like to thank Laois Partnership for their ongoing support.

IMG_20230317_231556_686-removebg-preview