Project to provide trauma-informed support for people seeking international protection

As part of the Supportive Spaces project, staff who work in IPAS centres will participate in a mental health and trauma informed practice training programme. A panel of trainers made up of staff from IPAS and Local Authority Integration Teams was selected and trained by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The training programme has been directly informed by the experiences of IPAS residents, staff who work in accommodation centres and also by international best practice. The programme includes eLearning modules and in-person sessions.

This programme also aligns with a commitment to provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure, as set out in the International Protection Act 2026.

Speaking about the importance of the project, Maria Hennessy, government liaison officer at UNHCR, said: “UNHCR is proud to have played a leading role in establishing a strong foundation for embedding a trauma-informed approach to international protection accommodation in Ireland, as well as cultivating a close-knit network of partners dedicated to this essential work, including the Local Area Integration Teams and IPAS staff.

“This initiative will support people seeking asylum in Ireland, many of whom have endured the trauma of being forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution.”

The Supportive Spaces training project is funded by the EU Commission.