Hey all. This is a project that I've gotten involved with recently. It's basically an online friendship project involving Irish people and those from other countries who are currently living in different Direct Provision centres around Ireland.

 

Obviously, we are all feeling a bit isolated during this lockdown, but for those in the Direct Provision system the feeling of isolation can be exacerbated by the lack of family or friends living nearby or the lack of contact with members of their local community outside of the centre.

 

So we meet up via Zoom for an hour or so each night. We have talks on different topics like art, food, culture to name a few. People tell stories of where they come from, we sing songs and chat and just generally have the craic. It's all very relaxed and there is no pressure on anyone to commit to meeting every night. You can dip in and out of the chat room as and when suits you.

 

Believe me when I tell you that it's one of the best things I've done in a long time. If you or anyone you know might be interested in taking part in this brilliant project, just drop me a message and I can arrange for you to be added to the group. Thank you all and much love