Tullamore information event on Tuesday for locals hosting Ukrainians

An information event is being held in Tullamore tomorrow (Tuesday) evening for locals who are currently hosting Ukrainian refugees, or for those who are considering signing up to host.

The 'Host Roadshow' event is happening in Tullamore Library at 7pm on Tuesday. It's being held by the Helping Irish Hosts organisation, in collaboration with Offaly County Council.

The organisers said that, in Offaly, there are currently 457 displaced Ukrainians living in 219 host homes or pledged properties. This represents 26% of the total number of Ukrainians in the county.

Helping Irish Hosts (HIH), an organisation that arose in direct response to the Ukraine Crisis, exists to match hosts with Ukrainian guests and offer support and guidance throughout the entire hosting journey.

HIH is now going around the country with its information roadshow, which it said will "empower people with the information and local resources they need for a successful and sustainable hosting experience".

Helping Irish Hosts Co-Founder and CEO, Angie Gough, said, "Last year we surveyed over 1,400 hosts and found that 92% have had a positive experience and 76% would recommend hosting. It’s just fantastic to hear.

"We know that the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) plays an important role in allowing people to keep hosting but so too does the wraparound support provided by ourselves and our partners, the Irish Red Cross and IOM (The International Organisation for Migration).

"However, we estimate that a minimum of 23% of all matches are made privately and we want to ensure these 'DIY hosts', as we call them, are aware of the support that's available to them should they need it."

The event in Tullamore is being described as an opportunity for hosts to get together and share experiences and lessons learned, while receiving on the spot advice from experts and local support organisations for any stage of the hosting journey - from the early days of sharing a home to supporting guests with moving on once the arrangement is due to come to an end.

Attendees can register for this free event here.

The Helping Irish Hosts Roadshow series is supported by The One Foundation, The Community Foundation, The Shapiro Foundation, Choose Love, The Irish Red Cross and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.