Community Sponsorship is an incredible opportunity for you to make a real difference in your community through a structured and impactful programme! More than 300 people have been welcomed to Ireland through Community Sponsorship since 2018.

At its core, Community Sponsorship Ireland (CSI) is about people coming together to welcome a refugee family directly into their community and rebuild their lives in Ireland. This programme not only transforms the lives of newcomers but also enriches communities. It brings together individuals to form groups of 5 or more people, and guides them through a structured process to help welcome a refugee family.

As a CSI Volunteer, you will work as part of a community group on planning the arrival of the family and then help the family integrate into the community during their first 18 months in Ireland. This is a hands-on role where you can help with practical and social integration tasks while ensuring the family feels safe, welcomed and empowered. You have full flexibility as to when and how you give your time as a member of a Community Support Group. The impact of the time you give is huge!

You will be supported by experienced staff at the National Support Organisation (NSO), who will provide you and the group with training and support. The NSO staff will also work directly with the family to ensure they secure their basic entitlements (PPSN, social welfare, and applications for housing supports) once the family has arrived.

More about Community Sponsorship
Community Sponsorship makes it possible for refugees to avoid making dangerous journeys to find safety and rebuild their lives. Families coming through this programme are refugee families who have been selected by the UN and approved by the Irish government. Most of the families are young couples with two or three young children eager to continue their education in a safe environment.

• Networking and communication skills
• Innovative thinking and problem-solving
• Cultural competence and diversity awareness
• Teamwork and flexibility

Expressions of interest welcomed from anywhere in Ireland. 

Groups currently forming in the following areas:

Longford Town (Longford)

Cork

• Cork City
• East Cork 

Waterford

• City 

Tipperary

• Clonmel
• Thurles
• Nenagh

Tullamore (Offaly)

Westmeath

• Mullingar
• Athlone 

Laois

• Portlaoise

Galway

• Galway City
• Tuam
• Ballinasloe

Donegal

• Letterkenny
• Buncrana
• Donegal Town