Ms Celine Kennelly:

Social services have historically been a hallmark of member centre programming.

Although immigration may be the presenting problem for an individual, it is often coupled with a plethora of other challenges related to mental health, substance abuse, legal issues and family concerns. All of our centres provide wellness support, ranging from resource and referral to centre-based therapeutic intervention and clinical support. The pandemic exacerbated wellness issues in the whole of the Irish community as individuals and families lost employment, were not eligible for government support, were unable to travel and incurred increased concerns for family abroad and separation from them. The centres addressed successfully the increased need for wellness services by ramping up outreach efforts, providing therapeutic services virtually and ensuring community connection through cultural virtual events.