AN INNOVATIVE mental health project for asylum seekers was showcased last week at an open day held at Balseskin Reception Centre in Finglas.
The project reaches out to hundreds of new arrivals to Ireland in an effort to address poor mental health among asylum applicants, which was highlighted in the McMahon Report on the Protection Process and Direct Provision System.
The Balseskin Fáilte project is delivered by Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Ireland in partnership with the HSE National Social Inclusion Office.
It helps Balseskin Reception Centre to provide a range of targeted mental health and wellbeing supports early in the asylum process for recently arrived applicants.
This project has supported more than 500 asylum seekers in over the past 12 months.
JRS Ireland National Director Eugene Quinn described the project as “an innovative and proactive response” to the well documented mental health issues encountered by asylum seekers in Direct Provision.
“This approach of frontloading supports and information for protection applicants immediately after arrival will yield long term benefits through better mental health and enabling asylum seekers live with greater dignity,” he said.
As part of the Failte project, the Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration, David Stanton, launched a newly developed JRS Ireland resource.
This provides move-on information for Balseskin residents who will be dispersed to accommodation centres in 34 locations across Ireland.
The resource aims to support dispersed asylum seekers with integrating into their new communities.
Last week’s Open Day in Balseskin Reception Centre provided an opportunity for its 300 residents to be welcomed by and link with over 30 NGOs, community organisations and support groups to learn about the wide range of services available to them onsite and in the local community.
The ongoing work and contribution of both volunteers and asylum seekers, who are active participants in the Finglas and wider Dublin community while living at Balseskin, was celebrated and recognised on the day.
Retired High Court and former Chair of the Working Group on the Protection Process, Judge Bryan McMahon, endorsed the Balseskin Failte project.
“Poor mental health and isolation experienced by asylum seekers was highlighted during the Working Group deliberations,” he said.
“I am delighted that a model of support in Balseskin has been developed that promotes positive mental health and wellbeing and also forges strong links with the local community.
“The presence of so many service providers from the local community tells residents that while at times they may feel invisible in Ireland, they are not forgotten.”
Diane Nurse, HSE National Lead for Social Inclusion, also welcomed the project.
“The holistic nature of the Fáilte project in supporting improvement of mental health and wellbeing of a very vulnerable group arriving on our shores offers positive opportunities for relief, reflection and strengthening of coping strategies,” she said.
“I commend all involved in this innovative and inspiring project.”
The Fáilte Project seeks to harness the unique opportunity available in Balseskin to engage new arrivals, to prepare them for life in Direct Provision and to enhance their mental health and wellbeing.