On the 24th February 2022, the military assault on Ukraine by the Russian Federation unleashed a humanitarian crisis of scale. People have had to say emotional goodbyes to family who have stayed at home to fight. For those who stayed behind, life has moved underground as people seek safety and shelters, subways or basements.
The Irish Government stated that Ireland will play its part in assisting Ukraine and its people. In this context, a whole of government approach is being taken in relation to manage the crisis. Governance Structures have been established as part of the response framework to ensure there is a coordinated response to the crisis.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has established a local Community Response Forum, modelled on the forum that worked very effectively to coordinate the response to the COVID 19 pandemic.
Making Connections was an active member of the COVID-19 Community Response Forum 2020 – 2022 and is now one of only ten organisations invited to join the Community Response Ukraine Crisis Forum 2022.
The main purpose of the Forum is to proactively lead the development of a co-ordinated response to support refugees arriving from Ukraine. Making Connections will be advocating for the needs of older people with the support of The Ireland Funds.