Young Ukrainian refugee living in Limerick gives back by helping save lives
Olesia moved to Limerick in 2022 and was welcomed warmly by the community after fleeing war
Limerick Suicide Watch has welcomed one of their newest members to the team and she has shared her incredibly inspiring story.
Ukrainian-born Olesia Romanova joined the team back in January of this year and has become a valuable member of the squad, helping to patrol the bridges and banks of the River Shannon.
The organisation focuses on helping people in distress or contemplating suicide.
34-year-old Olesia currently works as an interpreter in hospitals, supporting Ukrainian patients.
As someone who understands first-hand what it’s like to emigrate to another country, Olesia knows how important support, kindness and human connection is during difficult times.
Living in Limerick, Olesia became aware of how many Ukrainians struggle because of language barriers or isolation, so she wanted to use her experience and communication skills to help where she can.
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Olesia moved to Limerick after fleeing the war in Ukraine in June 2022 with her mother.
She sadly had to leave her dad behind who still lives in Ukraine because of the current restrictions for men under 60-years-old.
Olesia’s father is currently volunteering to support the military.
The young woman said that having her mum with her makes her feel safe and gives her peace of mind but she still worries a lot about her father and relatives and the situation in Ukraine.
“Since moving here, I’ve received a lot of kindness from Irish people. Ireland really feels like a second home to me, and I’m very grateful for that,” Olesia told the Limerick Leader.
The young woman decided to join such an important organisation because mental health is something very close to her heart.
“I know how important it is for people to feel that they are not alone. I have seen how difficult life changes, stress and isolation can affect people, especially those far from home or without a strong support network. Knowing there is such a strong community organisation in Limerick inspired me to get involved.
“I meet people every day who are going through really tough situations, and I see how much difference it makes when someone actually listens and understands them. As someone who came to Ireland from Ukraine, I also understand what it feels like to be far from home and trying to adjust. So support and human connection really matter to me.”
Olesia was very inspired by the work that the Limerick Suicide Watch does in the community.
“Knowing that the organisation has contributed to reducing suicide-related incidents over the years shows how important early support and presence can be. I just wanted to be part of that, and give something back”.
Olesia explained that she and the suicide watch team are volunteer based and together they go patrol along the river and the bridges in Limerick.
“We keep an eye out for anyone who might be in distress. But more than anything, it’s about being present and being ready to respond if someone needs support. And everything we do is team based. You are never on your own.
“There is always communication, support and people looking out for each other, which is really important in this kind of work.”
Olesia said one of her favourite things about being part of the group is the members.
“From the very beginning I felt very welcomed. Even though I’m one of the newer volunteers, nobody makes you feel like you’re on your own. There is a real sense of care and respect in the group, and I learn a lot just by being around more experienced volunteers. It’s not just about helping others, it’s also about learning how to do it properly and safely, and growing into the role”.
She said that one of the hardest parts is “meeting people in very difficult moments of their lives.”
Olesia wanted to give back to the community of Limerick after being welcomed so warmly by so many people in 2022.
“It’s a way of giving something back. I came here and I was welcomed and supported, so I wanted to do something useful for the community in return. I’ve also seen, both in my work and in life, how important it is for people to feel heard and not isolated.
“Sometimes that really is the turning point for someone. And I think that’s what this organisation is about at its core. People just need to feel seen, heard, and supported. And if I can be part of a team that helps even a small bit with that, then it means a lot to me”.
Olesia is from Odesa in Ukraine and when the war started she said, “everything changed very suddenly.”
“Leaving home and not knowing what the future would look like was one of the most difficult periods of my life. But at the same time, I was met with a lot of kindness here.
“Ireland really became a second home for me. I always say that for me, people are the most important part of Ireland. The support and humanity I received made a huge difference during a very uncertain time.”
Upon arrival in Ireland, Olesia lived in Cork, then she moved to Bunratty, and later settled in Limerick.
In Limerick, Olesia said she really found stability and community.
“I worked with a PMI company for about two years as an administrator in an accommodation for Ukrainian people. That experience stayed with me deeply. I met so many families and individuals, each with their own story, their own loss, and their own struggle to rebuild their lives. I think that’s when I really understood how important it is for people to feel seen, heard, and not alone.
“Sometimes people don’t need big solutions, they just need someone to listen and to care.”
Olesia said that during her time here in Limerick her first Irish friend was named Maeve McNamara.
“Her support, advice, and wisdom helped me a lot, especially in the beginning when everything felt new and overwhelming. I will always be grateful for that.”
If you are interested in becoming a member of Limerick Suicide Watch you can email [email protected]
More information can be found on their website: limericksuicidewatch.ie for a number of mental health and support services.