spunout resources for Ukrainians in Ireland

Arriving in a new country can be an extremely challenging time, especially if you have arrived as a refugee. To help support you, we have created some resources around accessing the healthcare and social welfare systems in Ireland. Over the coming weeks, we hope to add more resources to this page to help Ukrainian refugees settling in Ireland. 

Supports for Ukrainians in Ireland

Currently, we offer two services that may be of help to you if you have questions about living in Ireland or if you would like to speak to someone about any difficulties you might be experiencing. 

Youth Information Chat

Our online chat service is as easy to use as WhatsApp and puts you in touch with a Youth Information Officer who can help you with questions you may have about living in Ireland. 

Examples of things you might want to know about:

• Are there any youth centres near me?
• How can I get into an apprenticeship?
• Can I register to vote?
• What are my rights if stopped by the Gardaí?
• I am trying to find a job. Any help with my CV and interview prep?
• I’m looking for accommodation and any financial support that I could get?
• Any other issues that matter to you

The chat service is available between 4 pm and 8 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays, such as the Easter bank holiday Monday). If you want to chat with a Youth Information Officer during that time, start a conversation now. If you leave a message outside of these hours, we will get back to you by email as soon as we come back online.

Our chat service is staffed by Youth Information Officers from centres across Ireland. Youth Information Officers are trained in providing information that is impartial, accurate, relevant to your question, in a non-judgemental and easy to understand way. The Youth Information Officers staffing the system are from YMCA Ireland, Crosscare and Youth Work Ireland.

Text About It  

There’s a lot of fear and pain to process at this time, but you don’t have to manage it alone. Talking to someone who cares about what you’re going through and wants to listen tot how you’re feeling can make all of this easier to absorb. Saying your worries out loud and having someone listen anonymously, openly and without judgement can make a big difference.

If you need emotional support at any time, our free, 24/7 text support service Text About It is there to help. From breakups or bullying to anxiety, depression and suicidal feelings, our Crisis Volunteers are available 24/7 for anonymous text conversations. Our aim is to provide immediate support in the short term and connect people to resources that will help them in the future.

Whether you’re stressed, overwhelmed, confused or grieving, we’re here for you. 

• Get anonymous, free support 24/7 with our text message support service
• Connect with a trained volunteer who will listen to you, and help you to move forward feeling better
• Free-text SPUNOUT to 50808 to begin
• Find out more about our text message support service

If you are a customer of the 48 or An Post network or cannot get through using the ‘50808’ short code please text HELLO to 086 1800 280 (standard message rates may apply). Some smaller networks do not support short codes like ‘50808’.

Ukrainian support articles 

• Supports for Ukrainians arriving in Ireland 
• Healthcare for Ukrainian Refugees in Ireland 
• Social welfare for Ukrainians in Ireland 

Mental health support articles

• What is trauma?
• How to open up to someone about your mental health
• I’m feeling suicidal. What should I do?

Connecting with youth services in Ireland

• How to find youth groups in your local area
• LGBTI+ supports for young people in Ireland