We wish to show our solidarity with Travellers and Roma this Wednesday 8th of April 2020 – International Traveller & Roma Day.
The COVID-19 crisis presents extra challenges for many Travellers and Roma who live in already vulnerable situations in cities and in rural settings around the country. These include overcrowding, no running water or electricity, higher levels of chronic disease and no access to social welfare.
What you can do…
Watch and learn about Traveller and Roma identities
Show solidarity on social media
Message your local Traveller organisation to show solidarity during COVID-19
Update from the Network
I hope this message finds you all well and safe during these very strange and difficult days. The SER Family Support Network wanted to touch base with you all to update you on some of the measures we have taken and initiatives we are trying to put in place to continue to offer support to individuals, peer family support groups & services during this time.
Firstly, all our facilitators are still working away offering telephone support to existing family support group members and open to taking on new requests for support and information. If for any reason you or family member cannot contact the group in your area we are happy offer information, support and guidance and should you need to, you can refer any new family member to us. You can give them our mobile number 086 6045805 or email address info@serfsn.org. We are also developing alternative ways to try and engage with family members & services during this time:
1. We have set up a new facebook page, please share our page South East Regional Family Support Network.
2. We have a monitored session on facebook everyday so people can send private messenger messages to us for support or information. We would appreciate if you could share this information with anybody you think may be interested.
3. We are liaising with nominated Garda inspectors regarding the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme. So please contact us if any family member is experiencing drug related intimidation. We will work with them and link them in with the nominated inspector their area.
5. Keeping family support groups and their members informed on the every changing Covid 19 situation through social media and emails and groups facilitators. We will rely on group facilitators to relay this information but if you would like to add anybody to the mailing list please let us know.
6. All our facilitators are in contact with members of their groups by text & phone and we encourage family support groups to engage with each other and check on the group mates via group texting during this time.
7. We have set up a Zoom account and presently using it for Management Committee meetings and peer group supervision. We have draw up guidelines for Zoom peer family support meetings. We aim to provide online brief intervention (5-step method) self care & mindful sessions and weekly group meetings. PLEASE CONTACT US BY PHONE 086 6045805 OR EMAIL AT info@serfsn.org FOR SUPPORT AND INFORMATION REGARDING OUR ONLINE SESSIONS.
Our two part-time workers are working remotely so we are available for any queries you may have.
Best wishes over the coming weeks / months and we hope you all stay safe and well.