Cork Migrant And Refugee Rights Charity, NASC, Says Pandemic Had Hugely Isolating Effect On Asylum-Seeking Communities In Ireland

Saturday, 26 June 2021 14:00

It was announced yesterday that the charity secured 40,000 euro in funding from the Late Late Toy Show Appeal for its "New Beginnings" programme

he money was raised by viewers of the Late Late Toy Show last November.

Three Cork charities received money from the 6.6 million euro pot.

Speaking to RedFM News, Fiona Hurley, NASC's Policy and Communications Manager, said that voluntary groups are doing huge work with asylum-seekers and refugees, but these groups had to pull back during the pandemic, leaving already vulnerable groups, extra isolated:

"Covid-19 and the pandemic have had a huge impact on our refugee and asylum-seeking communities in Ireland. We might not be so aware of challenges, things perhaps a lot of people take for granted, like being able to get in their car and drive and go to the shop; that's not available to asylum seekers who aren't allowed to drive. They have become much more isolated. Particularly our asylum-seeking communities have been very reliant on the volunteer communities around them. And volunteer communities are doing huge work in centres, but they did have to pull back during the pandemic."