Returning to Ireland after living abroad is a significant transition, impacting both your mental and physical wellbeing. Whether you are navigating reverse culture shock, missing your old life, adjusting to a new routine, or reconnecting with loved ones, prioritising your wellness is key to a smooth re-entry.
At Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project, Irish diaspora welfare at all stages of migration is our is our top priority. In addition to hosting pages on minding yourself abroad and wellbeing upon return, we also regularly run campaigns highlighting support resources for emigrants and returned emigrants, including our World Mental Health Day initiative. World Mental Health Day, held annually on 10 October, strives to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health. Last year, we joined forces with partner organisations from around the world to raise awareness and provide valuable resources to promote the mental wellbeing of the Irish diaspora. This year, we are shifting the spotlight to the often overlooked topic of returnee wellbeing.
With the help of Crosscare‘s Staff Support Coordinator and certified yoga instructor Niamh Campbell-Lee, we have compiled some essential resources to support your overall wellbeing during this time of change, helping you manage stress, cultivate mindfulness, and find balance as you settle back into life in Ireland. From mental health support to physical wellness, we have got you covered for a healthier, happier return home.
While many of these resources are based in Dublin due to our location there, many are available nation-wide. If you have wellbeing resources you think others should know about, please get in touch here – we would love to hear from you! As everyone has different wellness needs, please be advised that the below resources are suggestions only and should not be considered endorsements or official advice.
Activity and Sport
Physical activities and sports not only help keep you healthy physically but can also be great ways to meet new people when you return to Ireland. Check out the list below for some inspiration and google what else might be available in your area!
- Clubs: whether you like running, hiking, walking, cycling, swimming, or other sports/activities, there’s likely a club for you! Do a quick search online (or on social media) to find what might be available in your area. Free exercise clubs are becoming increasingly popular, with new ones popping up almost every week.
- DCSWP – Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership (dcswphub.ie): The fundamental goal of Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership is to provide opportunities for everyone in the community to partake in sport and physical activity regardless of age, ability or background, through its dedicated programmes, services, and facilities. Check out their website for upcoming events and other opportunities. Many other counties have similar schemes, so you can also search what might be available in your area.
- GAA: GAA clubs have long been Irish community hubs, offering opportunities not only to get involved in football, hurling, camogie, or handball, but also social and volunteer opportunities as well. Even if you have never played Gaelic before, many clubs offer opportunities to either get involved or try the sport. For instance, the Gaelic4Mothers&Others initiative offers a fun, non-competitive and social environment for women of all ages to play Gaelic games, get exercise while meeting other mothers/women in the area. Find a participating club near you here.
- HSE Online Exercise Videos: while online workouts do not offer the same social opportunities, if you are looking to squeeze in a quick workout as you settle, the internet is your friend. While a quick search will yield millions of different results, the HSE also has online exercise videos for beginners, from yoga to strength and conditioning. Be sure to be exercise safely and seek advice from a medical professional if you have concerns.
- Parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. parkrun is 5k and takes place every Saturday morning at locations across the country. Junior parkrun is 2k, dedicated to 4-14 year olds and their families, every Sunday morning. parkrun is positive, welcoming and inclusive, there is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along!
- ParkHIIT is free outdoor interval training session based around bodyweight resistance exercises, taking place at various locations throughout the Dublin region. Some locations also provide free porridge after each session! parkHIIT is all about building community and to be honest the porridge and coffee afterwards is probably more important than the workout itself.
Community and Volunteer
- Volunteering can be a great way to reconnect with Ireland. Volunteer Ireland: National Volunteer Organisation is a good place to start to browse various opportunities that might interest you. The Community Volunteers programme offers a new way to bridge the gap between communities that need support and the people who want to help.
- Libraries are among the most important gathering places in local Irish communities. In addition to being a place of learning, growth, and leisure, they also often host or publicise community events and other opportunities. Membership to public libraries in Ireland is completely free. Find and join your local library here.
Social Communities
- Returned Emigrants Network: interested in meeting others who also lived abroad? Or are you finding it difficult to resettle and reconnect? Join Safe Home Ireland‘s newly launched Returned Emigrants Network. By sharing your experiences, you can make the road easier for yourself and others on your return journey. Contact Karen Mc Hugh (Safe Home Ireland CEO) at karen@safehomeireland.com for more information
- Language Exchange Ireland: Want to keep up a foreign language you learned abroad? Language Exchange Ireland was founded in 2012 with the objective of creating opportunities for people to practise and improve languages with native speakers and meet new contacts. Originally a Spanish/English exchange, it is now Ireland’s most popular weekly language event with a wide range of languages, big mix of ages and always a great atmosphere.
Tourism
Many emigrants returning to Ireland report that it feels like emigrating all over again. As Project Leader Sarah Owen suggested during the From My Home to Yours Podcast, one great way to (re)connect with Ireland when you return is to explore – as you might have your local surroundings when you first moved abroad. Make a list of places you want to (re)visit or things in Ireland you want to try as you settle back in. Discover Ireland lists some great free things to do across the country, from museums to scenic hikes.
Online Resources
As our lives are increasingly online, it is no surprise that there are many online resources and communities aimed at supporting your wellbeing:
- Apps: Headspace, Insight Timer, Calm, Aura, and MyLife Meditation all have free versions you can download to support your wellbeing
- Eventbrite: Find all sorts of events and activities near you using Eventbrite. You can search by location, organiser, activity type (e.g. sports, art, community, music, and more).
- Meetup.com also list a range of free activities where you can meet others with similar interests.
- Podcasts: there are many podcasts out there related to emigration and return, from Greener Fields to From My Home To Yours. If you are curious about other people’s experiences or want to learn from others, pop in a podcast while you work, exercise, cook, or whatever you find yourself doing
- Abhaile: all the videos from our inaugural returning to Ireland conference are available online to watch on demand. Whether you want to hear stories of other returnees or get tips on building your network, check it out on our site or YouTube
- Blogs: read about others experiences of returns and get tips on our returning to Ireland blogs
Support Resources
Even if things go exactly as you expected them to, you might find yourself feeling nostalgic or even a little homesick for your old life abroad. Talking to someone about how you are feeling can help.
- Emergency: call 112 or 999 if you are concerned about your safety, mental health, or physical health
- Samaritans: if you need someone to talk to, Samaritans can listen. Call 116 123 anytime or email jo@samaritans.ie (email responses can take several days). A Samaritan may be able to refer you to other appropriate resources
- Helplink Mental Health provides culturally sensitive counselling support nationwide and internationally for Irish citizens living abroad and returning home. Visit helplink.ie to find out more or email helplinksupport@helplink.ie or call 091 759887
- Yourmentalhealth.ie for good tips on the little things you can do to look after your mental health
