Featured photo: Garda Shaun Patton, Donegal GAA Goalkeeper, with Elizabeth Fawibe
A new community guide has been launched to support residents at the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) Centre in Buncrana.
Inspired by IPAS resident Elizabeth Fawibe, who arrived in Buncrana from Nigeria a year ago, the guide offers practical information and a warm welcome to newcomers.
Patricia Higgins, the Connecting Communities Officer at Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP), spent the past few months working closely to bring the guide’s content and structure to life.
“This guide is the result of months of collaboration, listening, and learning,” said Patricia.
“Elizabeth’s vision gave us the starting point, and I was honoured to help bring it to life. It’s designed to be both informative and empowering, helping new residents feel more at home and connected from day one.”
Welcome to Buncrana guide creators Elizabeth Fawibe and Patricia Higgins
Elizabeth praised Patricia and IDP for their hard work and dedication in making her idea a reality.
“When I first arrived in Buncrana, everything felt overwhelming,” said Elizabeth.
“The landscape with its vast waters and rolling hills can feel daunting at first, but I quickly discovered when I connected with the people at IDP, the Exchange, ChangeMakers, and the Donegal Volunteer Centre that people here want to help.
“This guide isn’t just about procedures and offices; it’s about finding your place in a community that welcomes you,” she added.
Elizabeth hopes the guide will ease the journey through the International Protection system and prevent new arrivals from feeling alone.
“I didn’t know where to turn until. This guide was created to make that journey easier for others—from registering with a doctor to joining the Sanctuary Runners and so much more.
“Every step brings you closer to belonging and knowing you are not alone,” added Elizabeth.
Sanctuary Runners volunteers at the Launch of the new Welcome to Buncrana guide along with Community Garda Anne McGreal
The launch event, held earlier this week, was attended by community members, support organisations, and residents of the IPAS Centre.
IDP has also announced the appointment of Alison McLaughlin as a full-time member of the Connecting Communities team, reinforcing its commitment to integration and inclusion.
“We’re delighted to be strengthening this important area of our work,” said Denise McCool, Team Lead at IDP.
“Alison’s appointment reflects our long-term commitment to building inclusive, welcoming communities across Inishowen. With more people arriving and settling here, it’s vital that we continue to grow our capacity to support them meaningfully.
“At IDP we believe that connecting in with our local community is central to this; individuals and community groups have been instrumental in this welcome and building a sense of belonging,” added Denise.”
Community Garda Anne McGreal Grace Friel Tusla Alision McLaughlin IDP Deirdre Hines The Plaza Patricia Higgins IDP and Elizabeth Fawibe
The guide, currently available on IDP’s website, is part of a broader effort by IDP and its partners to promote belonging, inclusion, and access to services. Patricia explains that plans are underway to translate the guide into multiple languages.
“The guide is the first step, but we’re very excited about the next steps,” said Patricia.
“We hope to build on it by starting a buddy system in coming months, where volunteers, both those from within IPAS centres, and locals, can work with those newly arriving, to guide them through their initial period here.”
For more information or to access the guide, visit: www.inishowen.ie/publications
Local guide helps new arrivals find their place in Buncrana community was last modified: July 21st, 2025 by
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