Volunteers Finnoula Gill and Marie Slattery helping Syrian Ukrainian refugees who have just arrived in Nenagh to fill out forms at the Abbey Court Hotel in Nenagh on Monday. A Support and Information Centre led by local community activist Sandra Farrell has been established in the town.

War victims arriving in Nenagh

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A local group of 15 volunteers led by the Nenagh based community activist and nurse Sandra Farrell have come together to assist the Ukrainian refugees arriving to North Tipperary.

This group formed three weeks ago at the start of the war to send humanitarian aid to the Polish border. After sending two truckloads of aid they quickly recognised that their focus should turn to providing local supports to the Ukrainian families coming to Nenagh.

Ms Farrell had heard of one Russian lady in Nenagh who had taken in two Ukrainian families (12 people in total) to live with her. These people were unknown to her, but she wanted to help them. Ms Farrell got to know of this and called to see how she could support this kind-hearted Russian lady.

“After this meeting, we came to know that there were approximately over 30 Ukrainians who had already arrived with no support structure in place for them,” Ms Farrell revealed.

“We identified there was a need for these vulnerable people to attend a central point in Nenagh to obtain vital information and support when they arrive to our town.”

Overnight, a local community Support Centre was set up at Loreto House with the support of Nenagh Parish Priest, Fr Des Hillery. At this centre, the volunteers assist the Ukrainian families who are arriving to North Tipperary with the following:

• How and where to access their PPE number

• How to access Medical Card

• Connect with Local GP service

• Local Dentist service

• Assist with enrolling into schools

• Sponsor school uniforms, shoes, stationery

• Free Sim Cards

• Connection with the local family resource centre if required

• Connection with the local Job Club Office

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