A new website was launched last week offering support and advice to emigrants and those planning to leave Ireland for work and other opportunities.

Mindhowyougo.ie was developed following extensive research with 500 recent emigrants. According to the study, nearly three out of every four Irish emigrants said they frequently experience homesickness while two-thirds found moving to another country emotionally difficult.

The research, conducted by Crosscare, asked participants for a range of feedback on how prepared they were before they emigrated, how their expectations changed when they arrived, and how they coped emotionally.

Seventy-one percent said they regularly experienced homesickness, while 65 percent say the move was “harder than they expected.”

Over half of the participants said available emotional support abroad was worse compared to when they were in Ireland.

The new website, which was funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs Emigrant Support Programme and developed by the Crosscare Migrant Project, will include testimony from those who took part in the research.

Said one emigrant:“"Tell those who you love that you love them. Take time to say goodbye to everyone you care about, try your best to leave on a good note with everyone."

Minister for the Diaspora Jimmy Deenihan launched the website on March 5.

“It is a pleasure to participate in the launch of Crosscare’s new website – Mindhowyougo.ie – which has been part-funded under the Emigrant Support Programme,” said Minister Deenihan, according to a press release.  

“This website seeks to assist future emigrants by providing simple but effective advice and tools to deal with the inevitable challenges. This ranges from pre-departure preparations to early days abroad when the initial experience may not match expectations.  For those that are experiencing particular difficulties very practical advice is provided on coping mechanisms.  I believe that both current and future emigrants will find it an extremely useful portal to provide the tools necessary to navigate the often challenging experience of emigration.”