WestConnect
Migrant Support
Support • Safety • Community
Supporting asylum seekers, undocumented migrants, workers, students, families and refugees to build safe, stable lives in Ireland.
Local community-driven support led by people who understand the migrant journey.
- Immigration & status support (non-legal guidance)
- Workplace, housing & welfare issues
- Language, education & employment support
- Integration, community and mental wellbeing
+ Family & children's integration support through sports and community groups
+ Real-life coaching support stories from local families
Confidential support for undocumented individuals and people facing complex status situations.
Why Support Matters
Community-based support makes a real difference
Over 8,000 people applied to Ireland's recent undocumented regularisation scheme.
Source: EMN Ireland
Ireland issued over 2,400 deportation orders last year, but only a small percentage were enforced.
Source: Oireachtas PQ
Many individuals live with uncertainty and need safe, community-based support.
Source: internal community study
Who We Support
WestConnect Migrant Support is here for all migrants in the West of Ireland, including:
Asylum & Protection
People in the international protection / asylum process
Workers / Critical Skills
People on critical skills, work permits, and employment visas
Ukrainian & IRP
Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection and other EU schemes
Students & Families
Student visas, family reunification, and long-term residents
Undocumented & Out-of-Status Individuals
Research suggests thousands of people in Ireland live without a secure immigration status. We offer safe, confidential support for those who feel afraid or unsure where to turn.
Learn more →Whether your issue is immigration, work, accommodation, money, language, family or community – we are here to listen, guide, and connect you to the right supports.
How We Help
Comprehensive support services designed to help you navigate life in Ireland with confidence and dignity.
Immigration & Status (Non-Legal Guidance)
Understanding your permission and pathways in Ireland
- •Understanding your current permission (asylum, IRP, work permit, student, family, etc.)
- •Support for undocumented individuals and those who have fallen out of status
- •Preparing background information for humanitarian / leave to remain applications
- •Signposting to legal aid, NGOs and specialist solicitors
- •Safe, confidential conversations about next steps
- •Helping you understand letters from government departments
Work & Employer Challenges
Support with workplace issues and employment
- •Issues at work (hours, contracts, unfair treatment – non-legal guidance & referral)
- •Understanding your work rights in Ireland
- •Information for people working without full documentation
- •CV help and job search support
- •Critical Skills / work permit expectations vs reality – what you can do
Accommodation & Local Life
Housing support and community integration
- •Help understanding tenancy, rent, and landlord issues
- •Guidance for undocumented families seeking safe accommodation options
- •Finding local supports for housing problems
- •Neighbourhood orientation: schools, GPs, public transport, community centres
Ukrainian & IRP Scheme Support
Dedicated support for Ukrainian beneficiaries
- •Understanding your status and entitlements
- •Accessing language classes and employment supports
- •Connecting with local Ukrainian and support groups
Language, Education & Finances
Building skills and financial stability
- •English conversation & practice support (or pointing to free classes)
- •Guidance on Irish education pathways for adults and children
- •Help understanding banking, PPS, social welfare and budgeting
Family & Children Integration Support
WestConnect helps families and children adjust to life in Ireland by connecting them with local sports clubs, schools, community activities and youth supports. We believe every child deserves a safe place to grow, learn and belong — and every parent deserves the guidance to navigate new systems with confidence.
Sports & Community Activities
We help children join local GAA, soccer, swimming, music and other community activity groups so they feel included and active.
School Enrolment & Education Support
Guidance on finding the right school, registration, homework support and connecting parents with teachers and community education resources.
Family & Parenting Integration
Support for settling into neighbourhoods, navigating GP/healthcare, community centres and finding safe spaces for children to play and grow. Confidential support for undocumented families integrating into schools and community groups.
Coaching & Mentoring for Young People
Practical mentoring and sports coaching for youth to help them build confidence, friendships and healthy routines.
WestConnect helped my son join a local GAA club. He made friends in just one week and now feels completely at home in school.
— Parent from Ukraine
After arriving from Nigeria, my daughter struggled in school. WestConnect helped us find after-school support and she is now thriving.
— Parent, Nigeria
We had no idea how to help our kids join sports. WestConnect introduced us to a local soccer coach — it changed everything.
— Family from Syria
About WestConnect
Our Mission
WestConnect Migrant Support empowers migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees in the West of Ireland by providing accessible, compassionate, and practical support that promotes safety, stability, and successful integration.
In recent years, thousands of people in Ireland have sought help with status, family stability and community belonging. WestConnect exists to offer safe, human and practical support.
Our Vision
A welcoming West of Ireland where every migrant feels supported, informed, valued, and connected to opportunity and community life.
Our Values
We Support All Languages
WestConnect welcomes everyone. No matter your background or language, your browser can translate our website automatically so you can read it comfortably.
Translation
Communication
Community
Support
Select Translate in your browser to view this page in your language.
🇬🇧 English: Welcome — We are here to help.
🇫🇷 Français: Bienvenue — Nous sommes là pour vous aider.
🇦🇪 العربية: مرحبًا — نحن هنا لدعمك دائمًا.
🇺🇦 Українська: Ласкаво просимо — ми тут, щоб вам допомогти.
🇵🇹 Português: Bem-vindo — estamos aqui para ajudar.
🇬🇪 ქართული: მოგესალმებით — ჩვენ ყოველთვის მზად ვართ დაგეხმაროთ.
🇧🇩 বাংলা: স্বাগতম — আমরা আপনাকে সাহায্য করতে এখানে আছি।
🇮🇳 हिन्दी: स्वागत है — हम आपकी मदद के लिए यहाँ हैं।
Book an Appointment
Simple. Confidential. Friendly.
All sessions are confidential and free or low-cost. Click below to book a support session.
Online Consultations via Google Meet
All appointments are held via Google Meet, making it easy to connect with us from anywhere in Co. Mayo or beyond. You‘ll receive a meeting link after booking.
How We Support You
WestConnect offers practical, non-legal support to help you feel safer, more informed and more connected in Ireland.
One-to-one support & listening
Confidential conversations about your situation, by WhatsApp or in person.
Immigration & status guidance (non-legal)
Help understanding letters, gathering background information and preparing to speak with a solicitor or NGO.
Housing, work & daily life support
Support with housing challenges, work issues, accessing services and navigating daily life.
Family, children & sports integration
Connecting children and families to schools, clubs, youth groups and local sports.
All our support is free, confidential and non-legal. We work alongside you to help you access the right services and feel more connected in your community.
Support Our Work
Help us continue providing free, community-based support to migrants and families in the West of Ireland.
WestConnect is a small, community-led initiative. We rely on people who are willing to give time, skills or resources so that we can keep helping those who need it most.
Donate (future)
In future, we will add secure options to donate and help cover basic costs for support, transport, translation and outreach.
Volunteer your time
You can support by offering translation, mentoring, youth coaching or general volunteering.
Partner with us
Organisations, clubs and community groups can link with us to support migrants and families locally.
This will open WhatsApp. You can also email us to discuss how to help.
Every contribution — whether time, skills or partnership — helps us reach more families and create stronger, more welcoming communities.
Contact WestConnect
A safe, confidential way to ask for help.
If you need help or support, you can message us on WhatsApp or use our secure online forms. All information is treated with care and kept confidential.
WhatsApp Contact
+353 86 157 0550
Applicant Background Form
If you are seeking immigration or residency-related support (non-legal), you can complete our Applicant Background Form. This helps us understand your situation better.
Complete Background Form
This comprehensive form collects information about your immigration status, family situation, and support needs.
Opens secure Google Form in a new tab
Request Support Online
Use this quick form to request support. We'll respond within 24 hours.