Communication is vital when you’re far from home.

Now 200 Ukrainian refugees will be able to keep in touch with their families and friends thanks to an anonymous donor who reached out to help via the Cork-based charity Together Razem.

The national charity, which supports people from Eastern Europe living in Ireland, has begun distributing 200 donated, refurbished smartphones to people who need them all over Ireland.

The donor wishes to remain anonymous but specified that the devices should be distributed to refugees from Ukraine in particular.

The charity received 418 applications for phones from Ukrainians who arrived in Ireland after fleeing the war and recipients were selected based on specific criteria with a focus on older people, people with an illness, and single mothers.

“The ability to be in touch during this difficult time is both a matter of security and confidence, as well as of great assistance in overcoming the language barrier.” said the project’s coordinator Tetiana Malanchuk.

“We understand that their urgent departure from Ukraine, as well as other unpredictable difficulties that Ukrainian refugees are faced with when leaving their country, could lead to the loss or breakdown of their phones, so the opportunity to help people in this situation is very valuable for us.”

New Older Persons Group

Another new project by Together-Razem aims to reduce the isolation and loneliness of older Ukrainians living on Leeside.

The charity has established a weekly group meet-up to support Ukrainian older people to meet and socialise. Named Babushki Razom, the group is facilitated by Ukrainian-speaking volunteers and it meets on Wednesdays at the Together4Ukraine Hub in Blackpool, Cork.