CASE STUDIES

Details have been changed to protect clients’ privacy.

Restoring dignity and connection in later life

Background 

Grace is a 78-year-old woman originally from Dublin. She migrated to Australia at the age of 28 and built a fulfilling life here. Although she never married or had children, she enjoyed an independent life for many years. However, as she entered her senior years, Grace began to experience growing challenges including social isolation, vulnerability, financial instability, and difficulty maintaining her independence at home.  

Challenges 

With no immediate family support, Grace’s situation gradually became more difficult. She was struggling with daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning due to ill health but had not recognised the extent to which these issues were impacting her wellbeing. Her isolation meant there were few people in her life who could identify her needs or advocate on her behalf. Without intervention, Grace was at risk of declining physical and mental health and potentially needing to leave her home prematurely. 

HOW WE HELPED

Our team initiated monthly check-ins to build a trusting relationship with Grace and assess her evolving needs. Through these regular visits, we were able to identify concerns Grace hadn’t fully recognised herself, such as her difficulty preparing meals. We arranged for Meals on Wheels to deliver a hot, nutritious meal each day to ensure her dietary needs were met. On occasional visits to Grace, we assisted with picking up her medication from the pharmacy. Recognising that the festive season can be especially lonely for those living alone, we also delivered a Christmas hamper to show Grace that she is valued and supported.  

To address her social isolation, we organised for a volunteer to visit her monthly, providing her with meaningful conversation and companionship. Additionally, we engaged with My Aged Care to re-assess in-home support services and ensure there was a sustainable care plan in place for the future, including preparations for when independent living may no longer be safe or feasible. While it was identified that perhaps Grace would benefit more from residential care and a bed was identified for her in a facility near her home, she still had capacity to refuse and would like to remain living at home for the time being.  

OUTCOMES

Grace is now experiencing a significantly improved quality of life. With daily hot meals, regular social contact, and a plan for the future, she feels more secure in her home. The knowledge that someone is checking in and looking out for her has given her peace of mind and a renewed sense of dignity. Most importantly, Grace knows she has someone to turn to, and she is no longer navigating this stage of life alone. 

Support after a traumatic assault 

Background 

Brian, a 24-year-old WHV from Co. Tyrone, was the victim of a serious assault shortly after moving to Australia. The incident left him physically and emotionally shaken, with lasting impacts on his sense of safety, wellbeing, and ability to work. His mother travelled from Ireland to be with him during the immediate aftermath of the assault as Brian had a limited support network in Sydney.  

Challenges 

In the weeks following the assault, Brian faced several challenges. He struggled to manage the emotional toll of the incident while also dealing with the complexities of police proceedings and the uncertainty of legal timelines and communications in a new country. The trauma impacted his ability to continue in his current work environment, which no longer felt safe or suitable.  Additionally, both Brian and his mother were overwhelmed with how to access the right support in a new country and worried about the financial implications of the legal costs and loss of income.  

HOW WE HELPED

Although our outreach worker had no remit in legal proceedings, we were able to provide emotional and practical support to Brian. We helped navigate the challenges of engaging with the police, offering guidance and realistic expectations about the legal process and offered contacts for alternative legal representation. Brian received emotional support through regular check-ins and counselling services were organised for him to speak to a professional about his trauma.  

We also supported Brian’s mother, offering reassurance and comfort during her stay and providing her with peace of mind that Brian would continue to have someone to turn to after her departure. Understanding the broader impact of the incident, we provided practical advice to assist Brian in transitioning to a different work area that was more aligned with his emotional and psychological needs during recovery.  

OUTCOMES

Brian was able to access the mental health support he needed and began a path toward recovery and continuing his life in Australia. He remains connected with our team for ongoing support and has successfully left his previous work environment. His mother returned to Ireland reassured that Brian had a strong network of care around him during this vulnerable time. 

Supporting a young woman toward stability and employment

Background 

Maura is 29 and originally from Co. Kerry. She has lived in Sydney for two years and faced numerous challenges during this time. She is neurodivergent and suffers with ongoing mental health issues. Maura reached out to the Irish Support Agency during a particularly difficult period. She was struggling to find employment and had begun to experience significant financial hardship, including difficulty paying rent. Her mental health had started to deteriorate further due to her inability to afford the medication that helped her manage daily life and her ability to obtain steady work.  

Challenges 

The barriers Maura faced were complex and overlapping. Her disability and mental health concerns made it harder to secure and maintain stable work. The stress of mounting financial pressure, particularly the risk of being evicted, worsened her mental wellbeing. Without access to necessary medical care and medication, she found herself in a cycle of increasing vulnerability and limited options. 

HOW WE HELPED

The Irish Support Agency provided emotional and practical support. Recognising the urgency of her situation, we offered short-term financial assistance to help cover her rent. This gave her breathing space to access medical care and resume her prescribed medication, which was vital to her mental and emotional stability. 

We also provided consistent support through regular check-ins, helping her feel less alone in the process. Alongside this, we gave practical advice around employment and connected her with various job opportunities suited to her needs and abilities. We worked closely with her to build confidence and clarify her employment goals.   

OUTCOMES

With her immediate financial crisis managed and access to essential medication restored, Maura was able to focus on rebuilding her life. Her mental health improved, and she re-engaged with job-seeking with improved confidence. With our support, she began exploring new employment options and continues to work toward long-term stability and applying for long term roles. She remains in contact with the agency for continued support and guidance as she moves forward with greater independence. 

REPATRIATION SUPPORT FOR A HOMELESS MAN


Background 

Michael, a 52-year-old man, originally from Cork, had been living in Sydney since the nineties, losing touch with his family over this time. He didn’t have a valid visa and had been relying on cash in hand work to survive. With tighter immigration and employment restrictions, Michael found it more and more difficult to find work. Eventually, he became homeless, chronically unwell, and too frightened of deportation to seek medical help.  

Challenges 

  • By the time Michael approached us he had: 

  • Been homeless for almost 10 years 

  • Had no identification or documentation 

  • Become chronically unwell 

  • Developed anxiety, especially around authoritative officers including immigration and police. 

How we helped 

Over several weeks our Caseworker built up trust with Michael and set a plan to help him return to Ireland. This involved: 

  • Assistance accessing a flight to Ireland through the International Organization of Migration. 

  • Attending the Department of Immigration with him where he was granted a bridging visa - allowing him to pass through the airport legally. 

  • Encouraging reconciliation with long-lost family members. 

  • Providing food, accommodation and toiletries until he was ready to return. 

  • Liaising with the Irish Consulate in Sydney to obtain documentation and a passport. 

  • Transporting Michael to the airport, helping him through the check in process. 

  • Arranging an airport transfer and accommodation in Dublin for the first week. 

  • Referral to Dublin based Crosscare Migrant Project for assistance with applications for a disability pension and housing. 

Outcomes 

Michael was successful in applying for the disability pension and long-term social housing in Ireland. He reconnected with his family and most importantly, he was finally able to access medical help for his complex range of physical and mental health issues. 

THE RELUCTANT PRODIGAL SON



Background 

The weekend before Christmas, John's mother called us to let us know that he had agreed to come home to his family and they had bought him a flight. John was however very confused, had no money for food, and had gone out to the airport over 30 hours before he was due to board his plane. She didn’t think that he’d get on the plane if someone wasn’t there to help him through the process and she was further upset because she couldn’t reach him by phone. His family had tried to arrange a bed for the night and secure access to food but the distance and lack of communication made it almost impossible to do.   

Challenges 

John was facing the journey of his life to get back home to Ireland, but mental health issues, a broken phone and no cash made it seem impossible that he would ever get home to his family at all.  

How we helped 

One of our team, who had met John a few months previously, travelled to the airport and found him in a very disorientated state, hungry, thirsty, and having completely lost track of time. Some food, his first in 24 hours, and a phone call to his mother went a long way to improving the situation. We helped John get through the minefield of the check-in process, baggage allowances and kept an eye on the time so that he knew he was all set to get home for Christmas. It was still a very anxious time for John, as his fears built about the journey and things left undone here. We were able to reassure him that his family would be there to meet him at the other end and that he’d have Christmas at home.  

Outcomes 

John got home safely to his family for Christmas, where he had the support of his loved-ones and access to the vital services and treatment options he needed. It was clear that the presence of someone to look out for him, to be there with him, to point him in the right direction was fundamental to giving him the confidence to take the next step on his life journey.   

SUPPORT DURING MENTAL ILL-HEALTH




Background 

Hugh, a long-time sufferer of complex psychiatric illnesses, approached us after a run-in with the law. Over the coming months, Hugh had many encounters with addiction and correctional services, acute medical hospitalisations, and multiple involuntary detentions under the Mental Health Act. Each step of the way, he and his family at home were supported by a member of the Irish Support Agency.  

How we helped 

Over many months, members of the ISA team worked with Hugh to:   

  • Support him by attending all court proceedings  

  • Secure access to primary care services with a specialist Mental Health GP  

  • Liaise with agencies such as Drug and Alcohol Assessment Services, Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Services, Correctional Services, and Hospital Mental Health Team  

  • Organise Emergency Accommodation  

  • Visit and replace essential clothes and toiletries while in hospital  

  • Provide financial assistance for core outpatient medical expenses  

  • Provide emotional support by phone when distressed, often many times a day and late into the night  

  • Liaise with family members back home to appraise and support.  

Outcomes 

The Agency became the sole line of support for Hugh while he awaited court proceedings. Legal matters were eventually resolved and Hugh was free to return to Ireland and access the medical services he so desperately required.