Supporting Ukrainian Families in Cavan – A Human Story Highlighted During a Significant Visit

Today’s visit of the Ukrainian President to Ireland offers a moment of reflection on the importance of compassion, welcome and community support for people displaced by conflict. Here in County Cavan, those values are expressed every day in the work of local volunteers, services and organizations — and captured powerfully in our recent case-study video.

🎥 Watch the case study video:“Ukrainian Community Support in Cavan – CCLD Case Study”

The video shares the real experiences of Ukrainian families who have found safety in Cavan and highlights how community-led support helps people rebuild confidence, connection and stability after leaving everything familiar behind.

Human Stories at the Heart of Community Support

The families featured in the video speak openly about:

• The relief of finding a safe place to live

• The kindness shown by neighbours, volunteers and local groups

• The support they received in accessing services and settling into daily life

• The importance of routine and reassurance for their children

• The comfort of having someone to talk to during a difficult transition

These stories show that small acts — a conversation, a welcome, a helping hand — can have a profound impact on families navigating displacement.

Community Effort, Local Partnerships

The work highlighted in the video is possible because of the strong network of local supports active in County Cavan. Through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), and in partnership with schools, community groups, local services and volunteers, CCLD helps families to:

• Access information and interpret services

• Settle children into school and after-school activities

• Find emotional and wellbeing supports

• Connect with local community events and groups

• Explore employment, training and education options

• Maintain cultural connections while building new friendships

This is grassroots, community-based support — focused on people, safety, inclusion and belonging.

A Moment That Highlights Our Shared Humanity

As Ireland hosts the Ukrainian President today, the focus for many families here in Cavan remains simple: being safe, being understood, and being able to rebuild a sense of home.The stories in the case-study video remind us that humanitarian support is not measured in policies or speeches but in empathy, patience, respect and practical help offered one family at a time.

This moment invites us to recognise the resilience of those who have arrived and the generosity of the communities who have welcomed them.

Looking Ahead Together

CCLD remains committed to:

• Providing safe, welcoming spaces for all families arriving into Cavan

• Supporting children through education and wellbeing programmes

• Offering information and practical assistance as people adapt to new surroundings

• Strengthening community links through events, activities and shared experiences

• Working closely with local partners to ensure supports are accessible and responsive

Our goal is simple: to help each person feel that Cavan can be a place where they belong, contribute and thrive.

If you would like to learn more about our work with new communities or how you can support local initiatives, please contact us at info@ccld.ie or 049 433 1029.