JRS launches Covid-19 helpline

May 22, 2020 in coronavirus, Featured News, News

A new National Helpline will be run by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Ireland to support asylum seekers in Direct Provision and Emergency Accommodation during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) National Resident Support Helpline will provide an independent and confidential Freephone service for the 7,600 residents living in 85 IPAS accommodation centres across Ireland. JRS staff will offer support, advice and onward referral to callers. They will also provide access to translators when required.

The helpline is open four days a week. It has been designed to complement and support existing services offered by statutory agencies, non-governmental organisations and civil society.

The helpline will:

  • Provide information and advice about the Irish Protection Process
  • Support access to local supports and statutory services
  • Follow up on queries and concerns about living conditions
  • Seek solutions to issues and challenges faced by residents

Launching the service Eugene Quinn, JRS Ireland National Director, said that people living in congregated settings such as Direct Provision have been identified as especially vulnerable during the Covid-19 pandemic. “In the absence of face-to-face outreach to centres, this new national helpline aims to fill this gap in service provision by enabling residents to have their individual needs and concerns safely heard and responded to confidentially during the crisis,” he added.

The helpline is the latest initiative as part of JRS Ireland’s national response to Covid-19, which also includes a hardship fund to support the educational and material needs of asylum seekers and vulnerable migrant families during the crisis.

Freephone: 1800 929 008

Hours of Service

Monday: 10am-1 pm and 2 pm-4pm
Tuesday: 10am-1 pm and 2 pm-4pm
Wednesday: Voicemail Service
Thursday: 10am-1 pm and 2 pm-4pm
Friday: 10am-1 pm and 2 pm-4pm

 

  • Translators available on request
  • Out-of-hours messaging service