Luton Irish Forum (LIF) is celebrating after receiving a £376,995 grant from the Big Lottery Fund to deliver a new project that will reduce social isolation and improve the well–being of older Irish people in the community.
Tom Scanlon, Chair of Luton Irish Forum said “this National Lottery grant will make a substantial difference to some of our most disadvantaged, often lonely members of society. We are very grateful to the Big Lottery Fund for recognising the impact of this vital support.”
There are over 3,000 older Irish people living in Luton, Dunstable and Houghton Regis, of which one in five live alone. The number of older people is predicted to increase by 40% over the next 20 years (General Lifestyle Survey 2011, Office for National Statistics, 2013). In Luton, one in 10 older people are Irish and many are unable to meet their basic needs and as a consequence have poor quality of life. Thanks to National Lottery funding, a new Welfare Officer will respond to the increase in welfare service enquiries and help people to access the support they need.
This new project will also provide social clubs, classes, and outings to bring people together to learn new skills and improve their physical and mental health with computer classes, the Literary Society, Tea and Chat and our Tuesday & Wednesday Clubs, trips to the beach and other Irish centres and more.
One person who uses the services said: “I have got computer skills and knowledge of different events going on in and around Luton in the Irish community” and another “I go to bingo on Tuesdays and enjoy the company.”
Working alongside health and social care services, LIF have supported more than 500 people in the past year to overcome social and welfare issues. This funding aims to support a further 500 isolated older people.
Further information
Luton Irish Forum contact: Noelette Hanley (Chief Officer) 01582 720 447 / 07934 442 861
Visit their website for further information on Luton Irish Forum’s services.
LIF is a registered charity and limited company formed in 1997 with a fully accessible centre close to Luton Town centre. LIF currently has a board of 10 trustees.