Much of NASC's work with immigrants is carried out through the sub-groups that have been formed here and we actively encourage everyone, host community or new arrivals to get involved. The sub-groups are

Intercultural and Anti-Racism Group

This subgroup has worked in conjunction with other voluntary organisations to create opportunities to enhance interaction and raise awareness of racism.
In November of 2000 the sub-group and partner organisations hosted the first conference for asylum-seekers and refugees outside of Dublin. The conference was entitled FINDING OUR VOICES and led to the establishment of the Cork Immigrant Representative Group. The conference was funded by SIPTU, Cork City Partnership, Southern Health Board and the Department of Social Community and Family Affairs.
The inter-cultural and anti-racism group has worked in tandem with CARASI (Comhlamh Action for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Immigrants), Cork City Partnership, Ballyphehane-Togher CDP, Mahon CDP, Farranree CDP and the Traveller Visibility Group.

NASC is presently involved in establishing a City Wide Anti-Racism Campaign entitled CORK - One City, Many Communities.

Contact NASC office for further details.

In an attempt to fill the gap in the provision of legal services in the Cork area, the Legal Group has now established two free legal advice clinics: Asylum and Refugee Law Immigration Law - Rights of Residence, Information on Work Permits. Wednesdays 6-7.30pm and Thursdays 7-8pm.
These take place at the NASC office and are staffed by a team of 5 lawyers. This is a free, independent and confidential service.

Contact : If anyone is in need of legal advice, please come along.

The Immigrant Representative Group is an informal group that meets regularly at the Nasc office in Sharman Crawford St. It is made up of immigrants and Irish people and operates as an independent organisation. The group has a regular attendance of about 5 to 7 participants at fortnightly meetings. The group was originally formed arising out of the 'Finding Our Voices' Immigrant Conference held in Connolly Hall, Cork in November 2000.

Contact Patrick at Nasc office

The NASC outreach group provides an interactive awareness raising programme for schools and community groups. Refugee speakers meet young people in schools and communities and talk about their own experience either of leaving their country of origin or their experience as an asylum-seeker in Ireland. Speakers discuss the day-to-day reality of racism and the process of seeking asylum in Ireland. The outreach group have met 1,300 students in 2000/2001.
The outreach group have organised poster exhibitions from A Part of Ireland Now (a national organisation providing up-to-date information about refugees in Ireland) and the Federation of Anti-Racist Campaigns (a network of anti-racist organisations). These posters have been displayed in libraries, schools, colleges and community organisations.

Contact Latif Serhildan at 086-8805826

The Welfare and Rights Group formed soon after Nasc's inception in August of 2000. It sees as its primary focus the provision of up-to-date information to the asylum-seeking community. To this end, the group has produced an information leaflet on the current entitlements of asylum-seekers (in English and French). The group runs welfare clinics on Thursday evenings, from 5.15 to 6.15, where members of the group offer assistance to individual asylum-seekers who have rights or welfare enquiries or issues.
Additionally, the group has lobbied all politicians in the Dail on the issues associated with direct provision, and have met with several local politicians to highlight the problems and suffering that people subject to direct provision are experiencing.

Contact Mike or Nora at Nasc

This sub-group works on an ad-hoc basis and is called upon to translate necessary documentation into relevant languages and acts with immigrants in meeting statutory agencies. While some translation skills are available more are urgently required!

Contact NASC office for further details.

This group has recently formed in an effort to address emergencies as they arise. The group recently received two-days training from Rob Fairmichael of the Non-Violence organisation INATE and from Ann Carolan of the Cork Social and Health Project. The group hopes to undertake more training as needs arise.

Contact Veronica through the NASC office.

We try to meet every couple of weeks with women and children from the different hotels and hostels around Cork. We hope that the women will become active themselves and make some friends with women from other groups. The aim of the group is to encourage an atmosphere of friendliness and where possible help with issues that cause some problems for the women e.g. identify medical issues, relieve boredom and identify interesting local events.
The Women's Group has been active in promoting the multi-cultural experience in Cork by recording their experience in Metro Eireann newspaper. At Christmas we have organised collections of toys etc. for children in hostels.
In November 'The Global Kitchen' was launched in The Vision Centre in North Main St. This book - a compilation of recipes provided by asylum-seekers from a host of different countries - was the initiative of the Women's Group.

Please feel free to give some feedback and/or ideas for some events, as we want to keep the group lively and entertaining for all involved.

Contact Oona O'Shaughnessy through the NASC office.

The Arts Group is working with the Firkin Crane theatre/dance centre. The Firkin Crane is developing its own infrastructure to accommodate multi-cultural media and dance. We have formed an African drumming band and have bought drums for the group. We are always looking for percussionists and other musicians as well as singers (male and female).
The group had an opportunity to play with famous musicians at the NASC concert in the Everyman Theatre on the 18th of March. Among the performers were Arson from Armenia, Martin Vallelly, OB Hunter, Declan Sinnott, Frances Black and Johnny Spillane.

Contact Serge at 4508651 or through the NASC office.

English classes have been provided in Cork both on an outreach and centralised basis for over a year now. The success of the classes, particularly the outreach programme has been due to the building of good relations between volunteers and participants, who, for various reasons cannot access english classes outside their home. It has been acknowledged that due to the increasing number of people requiring English language skills in Cork and the unsuitability of their accommodation that new initiatives are required.

To that end, the group known as 'Welcome English Classes' provided a training course for existing and prospective volunteers in November 2000.
We are currently making funding applications with the intention of providing more sustained, intensive and ultimately beneficial programmes.

Our English classes are run in St Aloysius' School (Sharman Crawford St - opposite The Nasc building) every weekday between 10am-12noon and 2pm-4pm.

Contact Sr. Celestine at NASC office.

Sees to the preparation of and maintenance of the NASC building. If anyone wishes to get involved in this practical aspect of the running of NASC they can contact Brendan at the NASC office.

Seeks funding from statutory bodies, corporate and private donors. Anyone who wishes to make a donation can do so by contacting Brendan at the NASC office.