Winner: Integration & Support Unit, Co Waterford

Summary
The Integration and Support Unit (ISU) is a humanitarian Non-Governmental Organisation based in the Edmund Rice Centre, Mount Sion, Waterford. The ISU provides a wide range of services and supports to Refugees, Asylum Seekers and other vulnerable migrants who are trying to integrate into the southeast region. This is achieved by working with other NGOs, agencies, academics and the private sector. All of this work is carried out by a dedicated group of volunteers and a small number of highly committed staff and is based on the core principles of promoting basic human rights, social inclusion and integration. The ISU vision is of a society that prides itself of diversity and multiculturalism, where all feel welcome, accepted and are fully equal and is therefore a fitting entrant in this category.
Group Contact: Maura Byrne [email protected]

Citation
This project is easily what “communities reaching out” is all about. It was established as a response to the number of asylum seekers. There were many countries represented on the day and the judges had the experience of meeting and listening to inspirational people from the immigrant community, participating in traditional hospitality and talking to the leaders and management of this initiative. It was evident that this initiative “changes lives, saves lives and builds communities”. Over 4500 migrants have gone through their doors.

Runners up:
– Ballyhaunis GAA Club, Co Mayo
– Richmount Rural Community Association, Co Armagh
– Roscommon Solstice Choir