Entries by Aneta Kubas

From Struggles to Recovery: Jerzy’s Journey with Barka

  Background in Ireland: Jerzy  (59) lived in Ireland for 10 years. Initially worked as a driver but lost his job and driving license due to alcohol addiction. Developed health issues, including problems with his hand. History with PASS: Registered in the PASS system in 2019. Maintained regular contact with us through day centers where […]

My Erasmus+ internship at Barka

During my Erasmus+ internship at Barka, I had the opportunity to engage in a variety of tasks that kept each day dynamic and exciting. One of the highlights of my experience was attending the Housing First conference at Dublin Castle, where I had the privilege of meeting fascinating individuals and expanding my perspective. What made […]

Housing First Europe Hub Conference 2024 in Dublin: Barka Team’s Experience

From November 18 to 20, the Housing First Europe Hub Conference 2024 was held at the Hibernia Conference Centre in Dublin. Our Barka team from Ireland, consisting of Aneta Kubas, Tomasz Flinik, and intern Jewhenija Kolot, had the privilege of attending this impactful event. Housing First represents a progressive and innovative approach to addressing homelessness. […]

Barka’s Role in Strengthening Polish Communities Abroad

From October 4-6, a convention of Polish community organizations, organized by Forum Polonia, took place in Dublin. Barka for Mutual Help’s representative was also invited to participate and proudly presented its mission and activities at the event. The convention began with a ceremony at Mansion House commemorating the 20th anniversary of Poland’s accession to the […]

Success Story: Gintaras’s Journey Home

Gintaras, a man in his 40s from Lithuania, had been working informally in Northern Ireland for several years. After saving some money, he decided to return home to his family in Lithuania. With this plan in mind, he made his way to Dublin, intending to buy a ticket at the airport. Unfortunately, once he arrived, […]

Success Story: Helping Philip Find His Way Home with Barka’s Support

Philip, a 33-year-old man, is one of many individuals struggling with health challenges, often related to mental health, who find themselves feeling unsupported and without options in the UK. Like others in similar situations, Philip had hoped that relocating to Ireland would provide him with immediate medical support, housing, and social assistance. Many believe that […]

Success Story: Radostin’s Journey Back Home

We were first contacted about Radostin by a social worker from Cloverhill Prison. Radostin, a Bulgarian national, had arrived at the facility in poor mental health after wandering the streets of Dublin for over a month. During his time in prison, he received psychiatric support, and as his condition improved, he expressed a strong desire […]

Success Story: Silvian’s Return to Romania

Silvian arrived in Ireland a year ago in search of work, leaving behind his wife and child in Romania. Unfortunately, he experienced a decline in mental health and was admitted to Mater Hospital, where he received treatment. Once his condition improved, Silvian expressed a strong desire to return to Romania to continue his recovery. At […]

From Homelessness to a Fresh Start: Katarzyna and Bartlomiej’s Journey

Katarzyna and Bartlomiej arrived in Ireland three years ago, from Poland, finding work on farms that provided accommodation. However, three months ago, they lost their jobs and ended up on the streets. They lived in a tent and survived by collecting cans and bottles. Every day, they walked about 10 kilometers searching for recyclables. At […]