Community Inclusion Programme
AS an additional support to the Refugee Resettlement Project Le Cheile FRC facilitated addition activities for the Syrian families over the summer months.
The aim of the activities is social integration, so continued practice of the English language over the summer months was considered to be highly valuable. The children are developing language skills at school and the adults are developing their skills through term time classes with the Education and Training Board.
One activity involved the Syrian children in an art project exploring intercultural relationships and the second activity involved the Syrian women coming together as a group and practising English language skills through role playing scenarios, for example parent teacher meetings and doctors’ appointments.
The second project was aimed at the Syrian women. Le Chéile FRC ran weekly functional English language classes and this was also an opportunity for the women to come together as a group. They practiced English through role playing scenarios, for example, doctors appointment or parent teacher meetings. It is anticipated that the group will evolve into a conversation club alongside day trips for the families and those who are engaging with them.
Befriending Project
Le Chéile FRC is currently considering setting up a befriending service which can support older people who may be feeling alone.
Befriending projects can play a key role in helping communities provide support to vulnerable members of society, such as older people. This service can offer supportive, reliable relationships through volunteer befrienders to those who would otherwise be socially isolated. Befriending often provides people with a new direction in life which can open up a range of activities and lead to increased self-esteem and confidence. Such a service can be an avenue to ensure older people feel part of society. Also, the benefits of befriending can be very significant, for both the older person and the volunteer. If you would like to discuss this befriending service or would consider becoming a volunteer, you are invited to contact Le Chéile FRC.