Fundraising
WHAT WE DO
Those who present to us are often experiencing some level of physical, mental, or emotional trauma in their lives and the Irish Support Agency makes a profound difference in their lives.
We do this through practical guidance, outreach programs, and referral to qualified specialists for advice. We run programs to help promote mental and physical wellbeing, social inclusion, and a sense of connection in our community.
We are grateful to receive support through the Emigrant Support Programme of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland towards our core administration costs each year. This covers about 75% of our annual running costs, however, we still depend on the support of the Irish Community in Sydney. All assistance given to clients in need such as crisis accommodation, food vouchers, utility bills, and counselling support, is financed through our annual fundraising efforts and the generosity of our donors and sponsors.
We would love to hear from you if you are interested in organising a fundraiser in your workplace, community, or sports club. We have fundraising packages available to help you get started.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Donations and fundraising offer tangible hope and healing to people most in need of assistance and the impact of this ripples out to the families and friends here in Australia and at home in Ireland.
With your help we can secure emergency accommodation for someone escaping domestic violence, put food on the table for a struggling family, help with medical bills following an acute injury or facilitate access to counselling support services following bereavement.
Together we can be that support network, a home away from home.
OUR WORK
SILVER SURFERS CLASS
One-to-one weekly classes have been operating for many years aimed at increasing the computer literacy of our seniors.
This enables them to stay connected with family and friends, research, or access information on services or leisure activities.
PARENTING SUPPORT
Having a baby abroad, especially a firstborn was identified as a ‘crisis point’ for many young Irish Women in a Government-funded report on the needs of Irish emigrants. With family support some 15,000km away, the rationale for this program is to bring together Irish parents for parenting support and social connection.
PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING IN OUR COMMUNITY
In 2017, our research identified the need to develop a program to manage the mental health and wellbeing of the Irish Australian community in NSW.
This much-needed, high-impact program is increasing the awareness, understanding, and ability of key community members to respond to mental health issues. There is now more conscious listening and greater access to support in the community than ever before – and this is only the beginning.
Mental Health First Aid Training
The Irish Support Agency is delighted to support the training of Mental Health First Aid for the Irish Australian community.
We have held five training sessions run over a two-day intensive program. We have trained 56 Irish community members.
Mental health first aid is the help given to someone developing a mental problem or in a mental health crisis. Regular first aid courses are widespread, however, most of these courses do not address helping with mental health problems. Mental Health First Aid training aims to fill this gap and can equally save lives.