Host Support Sessions
Our Host Support Team is available to answer questions, offer advice and direct you to the relevant supports and services as you navigate your hosting journey. These support sessions cover the topics we get asked about most frequently by our host community. Have your questions answered in an inclusive and interactive space or simply listen to what others have to say. Please ensure to register in advance to receive the link to join the drop-ins and masteclasses.
Host Support Drop-In Sessions
Fortnightly on Wednesdays, at 6-7pm via video call, all hosts, new and experienced, are welcome to join our Host Drop-in sessions. We provide information, advice and support throughout your hosting experience. It's an informal chat, so bring along a cuppa and meet other hosts around the country. If you miss a session, simply use the same link to join the next one.
Upcoming drop-in sessions
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8th May at 6pm
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22nd May at 6pm
Monthly Masterclasses
The Host Support Team will deliver online Monthly Masterclasses on a range of topics. This is an excellent opportunity for hosts at any stage of their hosting journey to empower themselves with skills and knowledge to help support their guests. Sessions will be informative and interactive with activities to help you learn in a dynamic and practical way.
Upcoming Masterclasses
Check back here for details about upcoming Host Masterclasses.
Catch up on previous Masterclasses
Understanding Trauma: A Trauma-informed Approach to Hosting
26th October 2023
We recently partnered with ACCORD, an organisation that specialises in family counselling, to deliver a masterclass on the topic of trauma. The session focuses on understanding the impacts of trauma for guests as well as helping host families recognise and respond well to any stresses that might be created by hosting. You can watch the recording of the session below.
Minding Yourself as a Host
28th March 2024
We were joined again by Mary Goss, counsellor who works with ACCORD and specialises in relationships and trauma therapy, to deliver Part 2 of our 'Understanding Trauma' masterclass series. Part 1 gave hosts an opportunity to understand what their guests are going through. Part 2 focuses more on the role of the host and how to look after yourself while you're in this role.
Understanding Ukrainians: History, Culture & Identity
22nd February 2024
We recently teamed up with Olena, who works as a Ukrainian Support Worker in the Galway Volunteer Centre, to run a session all about Understanding Ukrainians; their history, culture and identity. Collectively we've learned a lot about Ukraine in the last couple of years but our recent Host Survey showed that 32% of hosts find cultural barriers to be the biggest challenge of their experience. Watch the recording below to gain the knowledge needed to help break down cultural barriers in your home.
Having the 'Moving On' Conversation
24th April 2024
Our Host Support team shared their advice and tips for hosts who are coming to the end of their hosting arrangement and want to start talking to their guests about moving on. They explain how HIH supports hosts and guests throughout this process and the onwards pathways for guests to consider. You'll also hear examples from hosts who've recently gone through the moving on process and some of the lessons learned.