Featured photo: Garda Shaun Patton, Donegal GAA Goalkeeper, with Elizabeth Fawibe
A new community guide has been launched to support residents at the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) Centre in Buncrana.
The guide, which offers a practical and welcoming guide for those newly arrived in Buncrana, was inspired by IPAS resident Elizabeth Fawibe, who arrived in Buncrana from Nigeria a year ago.
The guide’s content and structure were brought to life over the past number of months by Patricia Higgins, the Connecting Communities Officer at Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP).
“This guide is the result of months of collaboration, listening, and learning,” said Patricia.
“Elizabeth’s vision gave us the starting point, and I was honoured to help bring it to life. It’s designed to be both informative and empowering, helping new residents feel more at home and connected from day one.”
Welcome to Buncrana guide creators Elizabeth Fawibe and Patricia Higgins
Elizabeth praised the work of Patricia and IDP for her hard work and dedication to the guide and helping to make her idea about the guide a reality.
“When I first arrived in Buncrana, everything felt overwhelming,” said Elizabeth.
“The landscape with its vast waters and rolling hills can feel daunting at first but I quickly discovered when I connected with the people at IDP, the Exchange, ChangeMakers and the Donegal Volunteer Centre that people here want to help.
“This guide isn’t just about procedures and offices it’s about finding your place in a community that welcomes you,” she added.
Elizabeth said she wants people to ensure that new arrivals don’t feel alone and hopes the guide will make their journey through the International Protection system a bit easier.
“I didn’t know where to turn until. This guide was created to make that journey easier for others— from registering with a doctor to joining the Sanctuary Runners and so much more.
“Every step brings you closer to belonging and knowing you are not alone,” added Elizabeth.
Sanctuary Runners volunteers at the Launch of the new Welcome to Buncrana guide along with Community Garda Anne McGreal
The launch event, held earlier this week, was attended by community members, support organisations, and residents of the IPAS Centre.
As part of IDP’s ongoing commitment to supporting integration and inclusion, the organisation has also announced the appointment of Alison McLaughlin as a full-time member of the Connecting Communities team.
“We’re delighted to be strengthening this important area of our work,” said Denise McCool, Team Lead at IDP.
“Alison’s appointment reflects our long-term commitment to building inclusive, welcoming communities across Inishowen. With more people arriving and settling here, it’s vital that we continue to grow our capacity to support them meaningfully.
“At IDP we believe that connecting in with our local community is central to this, individuals and community groups have been instrumental in this welcome and building a sense of belonging,” added Denise.”
Community Garda Anne McGreal Grace Friel Tusla Alision McLaughlin IDP Deirdre Hines The Plaza Patricia Higgins IDP and Elizabeth Fawibe
The guide is part of a broader effort by IDP and its partners to foster belonging, inclusion, and access to services for all residents. Patricia explains that the guide is now available in its current form via IDP’s website but will soon be translatable into a wide range of languages.
“The guide is the first step but we’re very excited about the next steps,” said Patricia.
“We hope to build on it by starting a buddy system in coming months, where volunteers, both those from within IPAS centres, and locals, can work with those newly arriving, to guide them through their initial period here.”
For more information or to access the guide, visit: www.inishowen.ie/publications
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