About GRSG

Galway Refugee Support Group was established in 1998 in response to the growing number of asylum seekers who were coming to the city. Amongst the priority needs identified at this time were access to clear information about the asylum process, access to legal information and advice, information about health and social welfare entitlements, and opportunities for social and cultural interaction with Irish communities. Throughout 1998 and 1999 the organisation, staffed by volunteer workers, supported asylum seekers newly arrived in the city by providing:
• Initial support - This work involved the organisation of welcome receptions for new arrivals and the development and provision of an induction pack with information on facilities and services in the city.
• Social integration - This work involved the organisation of social events and the facilitation of links with local voluntary, statutory and other organisations.
• Information on asylum procedure - Included the provision of information on asylum procedures, assistance with interview preparation, information sharing between new arrivals and refugees and asylum seekers who had been in the Country/City for some time.
• Adult education including English classes - This involved the organisation of English language classes at beginner and advanced levels.
• Anti-racism and education - GRSG has worked with the Galway One World Centre and the Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway to raise awareness of the issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland. Other work in this area has included documenting racist incidents and giving talks to groups on issues of concern to refugees and asylum seekers.
• Accommodation - Work on accommodation to date has focused on monitoring accommodation standards and providing information and support to those seeking suitable accommodation.

In the year 2000, GRSG secured funding from the Galway City Partnership to develop a Strategic Plan. The Plan was finalised in 2001 and outlined the organisations vision as a volunteer community organisation whose aim was: to work towards the creation of a just and equal society where people seeking asylum have access to a fair and transparent procedure, appropriate services, support and resources; and where those granted asylum can fully participate in all aspects of Irish society. The preparation of this Plan coincided with a call for submissions for funding under the European Refugee Fund. GRSG successfully secured resources from both the ERF and from the Galway City Partnership and employed staff - a Co-ordinator and Community Development Worker - for the first time in 2001

In December 2007, with the support of private philanphropic funding, GRSG commenced a business planning process to review its current activities and operating environment and to set out its priority focus areas and strategic objectives for the next three years.

The following priority areas were identified by GRSG:
1 Direct Provision Support & Advocacy
2 Employment
3 Health & Social Services
4 Racism & Discrimination
5 Local Integration Policies & Strategies
6 Public Awareness

Galway Refugee Support Group works from Community Development principles - participation, empowerment, capacity building, an emphasis on collective rather than individual action and working from an anti-racist and anti-sexist perspective and a commitment to human rights and solidarity.

With all the changes of staff and expansion of the organisation, GRSG needed to find a larger office to carry out its work. In February 2009 GRSG moved to its current location of No 2 the Plaza, Headford Road.

GRSG currently employs a staff of 4 which include:
Director - Triona Nic Giolla Choille
Administrator - Patricia Luby
Outreach worker - Suzanne McKane
Integration & Policy Officer - Claire Davey

Together with the GRSG board of directors, we are working towards our vision of:

’a just and equal society where people seeking asylum have access to fair and transparent procedures, appropriate services, support and resources; and where those granted asylum can fully participate in all aspects of Irish society’.