A European partnership enriching support services for work-based immigrants and fostering inclusive communities in Co. Louth.
What is INVOLVIM?
INVOLVIM (Informal and Voluntary Services for Work-Based Immigrants) is an Interreg Europe project bringing together six partners from five European countries. As our regions become more diverse, local services must adapt to ensure everyone feels a sense of belonging and social exclusion is prevented.
While formal integration services (like employment support and official language classes) are vital, INVOLVIM focuses specifically on the power of informal and voluntary services. The project aims to identify and implement community-led solutions to support work-based immigrants and groups that often fall outside traditional support systems—particularly their dependents, homemakers, and isolated spouses.
Development Perspectives’ Role in Co. Louth
Development Perspectives (DP) is the regional partner for Co. Louth, acting as the bridge between European innovation and local action. Working closely with the Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT) and Louth County Council (the Associated Policy Authority), our goal is to translate transnational learnings into tangible local policy to better support work-based immigrants and their families.
Through our facilitation of a dedicated Local Stakeholder Group—made up of frontline organizations, employers, and community leaders—DP ensures that the lived experiences of migrant communities in Louth directly inform the ongoing implementation and future reviews of the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) in Co. Louth.
Project Updates & Events
European Insights: Study Visit to Slovenia (January 2026) The INVOLVIM partnership traveled to Litija, Zagorje ob Savi, and Ljubljana to observe Slovenian integration models. Key learnings included the vital role of schools in engaging migrant parents, the impact of multigenerational community hubs, and how local employers can provide comprehensive, multilingual support to foreign workers to ensure their long-term settlement. Read the full event summary
Local Action: Inaugural Louth Stakeholder Meeting (March 25, 2026) DP hosted our first regional stakeholder gathering in Drogheda. Bringing together representatives from various local organizations, the session focused on identifying “blind spots” in current integration supports for work-based immigrants and their spouses, and strategizing how our collective voice can shape upcoming county-level policies.
Hosting Europe in Co. Louth (June 2026) INVOLVIM Interregional Event Held in Co. Louth
The INVOLVIM Interregional Event took place in Co. Louth over two inspiring days of learning, collaboration and shared experiences. We were delighted to welcome project partners from Finland, Poland, Portugal and Slovenia, alongside local stakeholders and community organisations from across Louth. The event was officially opened by the newly elected Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr. Declan Power, who welcomed the international delegation on one of his first official duties.
The two-day programme focused on the important role of grassroots communities and the “Third Place” in supporting the integration of work-based immigrants and their families. Visits to Louth Local Development (LLDC) and Tallanstown Community Garden showcased how local initiatives and community spaces supported inclusion in practice. On the second day, hosted by LMETB in Drogheda, participants heard from LMETB, Sanctuary Runners, SICDAS and Cultur about their work supporting inclusion and building stronger community networks. The day also included a moving Refugee Day celebration, featuring a Ukrainian choir and poetry from LMETB learners.
The event provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, share local experiences and strengthen connections between European partners and Louth stakeholders.
