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Crosscare is delighted to announce Abhaile: our first-ever returning to Ireland virtual conference! Join us for a series of online events exploring contemporary Irish return migration.
Running 4-7 June, the conference programme includes panel discussions with returnees and industry experts including the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs – Consular Services Unit, Back for Business, Safe Home Ireland, the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO), and many more. The conference will also feature digital resources and virtual clinics with our team in which we will answer individual questions about returning to Ireland.
Named for the Irish word for ‘home,’ Abhaile aims foster discussion, inform and support Irish emigrants considering/planning a return to Ireland, as well as facilitate learning and connections between Irish organisations at home and abroad assisting returning Irish emigrants. The conference is free and open to all, but advance registration is required – please see the links below to register for various events.
This conference is made possible thanks to the support of the Government of Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme.
Panels
Coming Home: Experiences and IdentityWednesday, 5 June at 7pm (Ireland)
Irish returnees reflect on their experiences settling back in Ireland after living abroad. Followed by interactive Q&A.
Speakers:
Richard O’Gorman is is the originator of the #moreblacksmoredogsmoreirish slogan, co-founder of Eyerish and Jamaican, and co-owner of The Sea Moss Boss. Richard features as a community activist in ‘Look Back to Look Forward,’ an exhibition celebrating 50 years of the Irish in Britain, and currently hosted at the EPIC Museum. Together with his wife Taurayne, Richard recently returned from London after 25 years and is now back home in County Tipperary.
James Parnell returned to Dublin with his wife Anne-Marie and three children after 16 years in Sydney in 2016. He has published several articles in the Irish Times about his experience, appeared on RTE, TodayFM, and Newstalk and participated in Irish Government forums helping emigrants return to Ireland. James has contributed to Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project’s webinar on returning to Ireland with children and written articles on grief and settling in for diasporasupport.ie. James now provides guidance and coaching for those thinking about returning at www.anewdawninireland.com. His book – a story and guide for bold movers – is at www.anewdawninireland.com/book.
Sarah Whelan is the founder of Irish Women Abroad, an online community for Irish women living abroad or returning to Ireland. Sarah returned from Sydney, Australia in April 2023, with her husband Stephen and two children after 19 years. She had previously returned to Ireland for 20 months in 2016-2017. She is a neurodivergent mum and mentor and has supported lots of women thinking about returning or have returned home. She currently runs an online virtual assistant business called Socials by Sarah.
Moderator – Dr. Sara Hannafin is an Assistant Professor in Geography and Education at the University of Limerick. She moved to Ireland in 2004, having grown up in an Irish family in London. Through her research with other second-generation returnees, she developed an interest in the way in which migrants navigate their emotional attachment to particular places and how migration can prompt reflection on identity and sense of belonging.
Navigating Crisis: Supporting Returnees in Distress
Thursday, 6 June at 7pm (Ireland)
Speakers: Sarah Owen (Leader, Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project), Karen McHugh (CEO, Safe Home Ireland), Leslie Alcock (Coordinator, Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas), and Department of Foreign Affairs Consular Services. Moderated by Niall Foster (Policy & Outreach Officer, Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project)
While making a planned return is strongly advised, this is not always possible. Tune in as a panel of professionals in the field discuss their work supporting Irish citizens returning in crisis, from origin country to Ireland. Panel followed by Q&A.
Back in Business: Rebuilding Professional Networks
Friday, 7 June at 1pm (Ireland)
Speakers: Paula Fitzsimons (Back for Business), Ailbhe Mullen (Irish International Business Network), and Erin Whittle (FRS Global). Moderated by Jack Stenson (Digital Irish)
How returning Irish emigrants can rebuild their networks in Ireland and hit the professional ground running, from recruiting to entrepreneurship. Followed by Q&A.
Other Events
Virtual Clinic
Have questions about returning to Ireland? Sign up for a one-on-one case consultation via Zoom with Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project at a time that suits you. Our Client Support Officer Damian Kirwan will be on hand to answer your questions about accessing supports upon return, navigating the immigration process with non-Irish family, and more, providing guidance tailored to your unique situation. Make an appointment here.
Questions?
Check back here for the latest updates on Abhaile programming. If you have any questions or if there is something you would like to see at the conference, please send us an email at irishdiasporasupport@crosscare.ie.
We look forward to seeing you in June!