Message From Maria Magee, Chairperson BRIJ

On behalf all of the volunteers who make up the group we call BRIJ, I want to say a warm Hallo to you all.
We are living through strange and difficult times.
I am sure many of you are feeling very isolated and are missing the social interactions we all took for granted until this pandemic came along and changed everything. I want to reassure you that we are still thinking you, whether you are  living in one of the Direct Provision Centres or have moved out into the Community to live. None of the restrictions are easy to maintain. They are not easy for anyone. There are many people who live alone in the Community who are unable to meet up with neighbours or friends. It feels unnatural. It is not easy to keep a distance between ourselves and others. Nothing about this COVID-19 Virus is easy. Simple day to day activities are dominated by the COVID restrictions. Some of us have become ill with COVID and that is frightening as it effects people differently and there is no way of knowing how we will/would be effected. To any of you who are ill with COVID we wish a quick and full recovery.
We are living through strange and difficult times indeed but we are living through them together. 
And the end is in sight.
This time will pass.
The vaccine will sort this out for us. It will take time to get everyone vaccinated but it will happen. Normality will return. As soon as the Virus is brought under control we will all be able to get back to an interconnected way of living our lives. For you that will mean getting back to attending courses, furthering your education, finding jobs, developing new interests, exploring the environment you are living in, pursuing new interests and building new lives.
And we, as the members of BRIJ, will be there to help you.
Mind yourselves and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Maria Magee
(Chairperson of BRIJ)

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