Crosscare is expanding its support to the Roma community in Dublin, thanks to increased funding from the Benefact Trust.
There are almost 5,000 Roma people in Ireland. Half of this group lives in severe poverty – in overcrowded housing conditions, often without gas, electricity, running water or sufficient food. *
Roma people coming to us tell us of discrimination and lack of trust when they try to get the help and support they are entitled to. They have become even more marginalised in the past two years for several reasons. One central issue is that access to essential services has moved increasingly online, leaving those without a high level of English language, literacy and digital skills unable to use such systems and locked out.
Our team working directly with Roma families see how access to these vital supports can be delayed or denied by a lack of understanding among service providers about the rights of Roma people.
Crosscare developed a specific programme to bridge this gap, focusing on meeting Roma people face to face through a language they understand. This service has been highly effective, and we have helped many Roma families work towards financial stability and avoid entering homeless services.
We have also been able to direct Roma people to other vital services such as food poverty support, mental health support and children and young people services.
Now, as a result of the funding support from Benefact, we are happy to announce that this service will be expanded to five days a week, enabling us to reach even more vulnerable people and support them to stability.
To access this service, please contact housingandwelfare@crosscare.ie or call
01 8726775
Pictured: Matthew Redmond, Crina Manasturean and Lidia Adam – Crosscare’s Roma Support Team
For more information on the Benefact Trust, please see https://benefacttrust.co.uk/
*Roma in Ireland: A national needs
