The Government has announced a €1 Million euro initiative to support the health and well-being of Ukrainian refugees.
The initiative, launched by the Department of Health, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will see €1 Million euro allocated to Local Authority Community Response Forums across the country.
The Healthy Ireland Ukrainian Resilience Fund will support a number of projects focused on integration into local communities, including after-school clubs for children and cultural activities for adults.
Funding will be distributed to a number of projects in 30 Local Authorities across 26 counties and will deliver a range of health and well-being initiatives in line with Healthy Ireland, A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025.
Projects rolled out will support participation in recreational, physical, creative, social, and cultural activities to support Ukrainian refugees to adapt to their new surroundings while focusing on supporting their general health and wellbeing.
Minister of State with Responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton TD, said: “Healthy Ireland works in partnership with Local Government and communities to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone in Ireland through the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme and the Healthy Cities and Counties initiative.”
“This additional funding will enable our Local Authority partners to assist Ukrainian refugees to integrate into their communities and build healthy lives here in Ireland,” she added.