The Irish Support Agency (ISA)
Established in 1995, the ISA acts as safety net for the Irish community in New South Wales
Irish heritage
The Irish Support Agency supports anyone of Irish heritage, who, far removed from their traditional support network, finds themselves in need of assistance.
Sense of connection
The ISA provides front-line support to anyone in the Irish-Australian community who finds themselves in circumstances of vulnerability or distress. They promote mental health and wellbeing, social inclusion and a sense of connection in our community.
Adapting to changing needs
Since its formation, the agency has grown to meet significant demand.
Adapting constantly to the changing needs of the community, the ISA offers a broad range of services, in areas such as:
- Client crisis support
- Information and resources
- Seniors social inclusion
- Community connection
- Health and wellbeing.
The impact of the work is far reaching with beneficiaries from right across the entire community in NSW. Support is available in cases of acute illness, homelessness, mental health supports, drug, alcohol and gambling addictions, legal and immigration issues, death and repatriation.
Outreach programmes seek to support those who find themselves isolated, lonely and vulnerable. An ever-increasing cohort of seniors are in need of help with securing aged care packages. Support is also provided to those in hospital, detained or in correctional services. Talking to someone from home, with a compassionate ear has benefits that cannot be overstated.
Irish Support Agency | Who we are
Adapting to changing needs
Since its formation, the agency has grown to meet significant demand.
Adapting constantly to the changing needs of the community, the ISA offers a broad range of services, in areas such as:
- Client crisis support
- Information and resources
- Seniors social inclusion
- Community connection
- Health and wellbeing.
The impact of the work is far reaching with beneficiaries from right across the entire community in NSW. Support is available in cases of acute illness, homelessness, mental health supports, drug, alcohol and gambling addictions, legal and immigration issues, death and repatriation.
Outreach programmes seek to support those who find themselves isolated, lonely and vulnerable. An ever-increasing cohort of seniors are in need of help with securing aged care packages. Support is also provided to those in hospital, detained or in correctional services. Talking to someone from home, with a compassionate ear has benefits that cannot be overstated.
ISA fireside chat | Katerina Gillen, Outreach Worker
Mental health support
This was most evident in the significant uptake of the SOLAS counselling service; mental health support provision through Irish-born mental health practitioners.
This culturally sensitive service is delivered by people who understand the challenges of expat life. During the pandemic when the Australian borders were closed, SOLAS was widely applauded.
"The feedback on what you have both created has been so lovely. There is incredible gratitude for this offering and the work you have done to make it happen"
Elysian Integrative Psychotherapy, SOLAS Practitioner
"I reached out to the Irish Support Agency when I was experiencing suicidal thoughts. The ISA were amazing at linking me in with a therapist immediately. "
"I honestly believe I would not have got through this period without the ISA’s support. I was also struggling financially so could not access the therapy without financial help. The SOLAS programme has the ability to save lives and that should never be underestimated. I work in mental health and wish all expat communities had support as great as the ISA."
SOLAS Client
Finding solutions
Trying to encapsulate the nature and extent of the work is almost impossible. Assisting people to finding solutions, dealing with pain and grief can ultimately help them to reset their lives for a brighter future.
The Irish Support Agency team feels privileged to be able to offer assistance on behalf of the wider Irish community.
None of us know when we ourselves, may be in need of such support.
The ISA receives annual funding from the Government of Ireland through the Emigrant Support Programme, Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland).