Summerhill steps up to support Ukrainian visitors

As communities around the country step up to help the Ukrainian refugees arriving into Ireland, the people of Summerhill have been doing Trojan work to help out in practical ways from organising weekly English classes, to help with CVs, as well as helping them source accommodation and gathering donations of basic essentials.

The Summerhill Ukrainian Support Committee was established in March 2022 to support Summerhill and the surrounding areas in welcoming Ukrainian refugees to the community. It was set up by a group of passionate community members who were horrified by the atrocities they were seeing on their screens every day and felt they needed to take action, fast.

Chairperson Emer Irwin told the Meath Chronicle how they have been working to help refugees being housed in Maynooth University, as well those who moved into the Summerhill and surrounding area. They are providing many practical supports to help them settle in from providing necessities like toiletries and nappies on their arrival, to helping them source accommodation and jobs.

A big barrier for many Ukrainians arriving here is that they don't speak English and the committee hosts weekly English language classes in the Summerhill Meals on Wheels 'Sona Sásta' premises.

"It is like if we were suddenly dropped in China, you don't know the language and you have just fled a war. They all want to work. They don't want welfare but some have no English so that makes it difficult," said Emer.

"We have up to 25 attending the class. It varies from week to week. When they start work, it can clash and then some of the people who came from Maynooth have been moved on so can't attend any more."

Collaboration is a key part of the committee’s approach. A recent survey they conducted found transport to be an area of great concern since most Ukrainians are located in rural areas yet need to be able to travel to work and school. The committee has set up a transport group via WhatsApp to try to address this gap. Additional volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis as well as donations for driving lessons.

They are also hoping to set up online classes soon, so that those who can't get to them can still access the classes.

At least once a month, they try to organise outings or events and have been to Bray, a big hit with those who had never seen the sea. They also held culture night as well as a very successful wellness day in Summerhill and have thanked Summerhill Meals on Wheels for use of their minibus for the outings.

Emer and the committee have been gathering donations of essential needed for the refugees such as toiletries, clothing and toys and whatever is needed, she helps to source, and takes donations into her shed.

One appeal recently was for suitcases as many of the Ukrainians fleeing the war in their home country left literally with their belongings in plastic bags. As they are moved on from Maynooth to other places, they needed suitcases to help move their belongings.

"Recently, over 400 Ukrainians have arrived in Maynooth and been placed in student accommodation. This number is set to reach up to 800 by the end of July and we are seeking support in responding to the immediate needs of these individuals and families, many of whom have come from Russian-occupied areas and experienced a great deal of trauma. Some have arrived with their few belongings carried in plastic bags," said Emer.

The committee is seeking donations in order to quickly respond to the needs of new refugees. A GoFundMe page has been set up to bring in funds to provide basic necessities such as food and clothing.

Accommodation is a crucial need since student housing is temporary. The committee has established contact with relevant groups that are working with government to oversee the housing of refugees and is appealing to anyone who would like to host a Ukrainian family or individual to get in touch for more information.

They are also helping them to source school places in local schools and to source work but Emer explained that language barrier can make it difficult for some to get work, while others have been successful in getting employment in the hospitality and retail sectors. Anyone with employment to offer is also encouraged to get in touch.

The Summerhill Ukrainian Support Committee has been recognised by organisations such as Helping Irish Hosts as an example to other community groups of how to mobilise efficiently and provide support where it’s needed most and the committee will be putting together a pack that can be used by others to prepare their communities to support refugees fleeing Ukraine.

Emer herself has gained a huge amount from the experience.

"There has been a wonderful response. From my point of view, meeting with the Ukrainian people has been a wonderful experience. They are amazingly resilient, and not unlike the Irish they have a great sense of humour. They are really fitting in well into the community."

See support the summerhill refugee committee on gofundme.