Latest Forum News

LUTON ADVICE CENTRE RECEIVES £45,000 GRANT 

Luton Irish Forum, Kathleen Connolly House, 102 Hitchin Road is celebrating following receipt of a grant for £45,000 over three years to enable the Irish, other ethnic minority and British communities to attain equal access to disability benefits. The grant has been made through the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales through its Community Programme. 

The Forum currently supports over 2,000 people per year with benefit queries. Currently, one quarter of the enquiries are disability related and due to the Forum’s success rate for its disability benefits appeal work, one in five of the people now supported come from other ethnic minority groups. The Forum has achieved an 80 per cent appeals success rate compared to the national average of just over 50 per cent for Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. 

The Luton Irish Forum began focusing on disability benefits and benefit appeals following a report which it commissioned in 2004, “The needs of the local Irish Community.” The report found that one quarter of respondents had not checked their entitlements or appealed in the past five years due to the lengthy process and resources required.  

Noelette Hanley, manager at the Luton Irish Forum said, “We are aiming to be able to support 90 clients with applications for Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. The funding means that we can continue offering this specialist service which makes a real difference to people’s lives.” 

In December, The Forum achieved the Bronze Level award from Q-cas; a quality assurance award pilot across Bedfordshire and Luton [equivalent to The Community Legal Standard].  The Forum is being assessed for the Silver Level in March 2008.   

With the growing demand for advice and support; Luton Irish Forum is currently recruiting and training volunteer advisors and support workers. Anyone interested in volunteering should call Noelette on 01582 720447. For further information about the services of The Forum visit www.lutonirishforum.org. 

Birgitta Clift, head of grant-making South commented, “We are delighted to support the work of the Luton Irish Forum as it brings together a number of different communities in Luton with their expertise and help.” 

The Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales supports charities that help disadvantaged people to play a fuller role in the community. Local or regional charities with an income up to £1million can find out more about the funding criteria and grant programmes at www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk.

For further information, photography and interview requests please contact:

Note to editors:

Luton Irish Forum carries out an M.O.T. of its Local Community 
 
The 1^st October saw the launch of a health promotion initiative, funded by Díon and spearheaded by Luton Irish Forum.  The Forum’s own research shows that over 35% of Irish people suffer from a limiting condition, compared with only 15% of the general population.   

The 50+ Health M.O.T. was a health day targeting older Irish adults, with and without a history of health issues.  Apart from short presentations, 68 blood pressure and blood sugar screenings were carried out. 4 of these checks resulted in referrals.  Presenting agencies included The Forum’s Advice Service, The Prostate Cancer Charity, The Disability Resource Centre, Alcohol Service for the Community and Luton and Dunstable Breast Screening Unit.  The opportunity for an information stall was well supported and received by many of Luton’s health agencies including Bedfordshire and Luton Mental Health and Social Care Partnership NHS Trust and Luton’s Stop Smoking Service. 

Joe Ward, Public Relations Officer for Luton Irish Forum said: increased awareness of health issues leads to earlier diagnosis of underlying conditions and prevention of more serious conditions in the future.   
 
Luton Irish Forum is a 648 member charity and has just   celebrated its 10th Anniversary.  The organisation was formed, and continues to improve welfare and promote culture through a varied programme of activities coordinated at its fully accessible centre; Kathleen Connolly House.  

The Welfare Service advises over 1500 Irish men and women annually. An extensive range of educational classes and presentations are coordinated.  150 members, each week, attend the Tuesday and Wednesday Clubs. The Forum organises the Luton St Patrick’s Festival and is home to the Emerald Pipe Band. The charity actively engages in a range of key consultations, networks and forums and commissioned The Luton Irish Forum Report on the needs of the local Irish community in 2004.   

For further information on the services provided by The Forum, please contact it’s office

Tel: 01582 720447 or Email: info@lutonirishforum.org

South Asian cultural event brings communities together

On the evening of Saturday, 20 October, over 80 people gathered at Kathleen Connolly House to celebrate the second stage of Luton’s Multicultural Events Project.  Purbachal – the eastern sky and Shanthona Women’s Group facilitated this fantastic festive occasion of good community relations and camaraderie.  A third of those present came from outside the South Asian community.    

Dr Nazia Khanum OBE, Chair of Purbachal – the eastern sky said ‘the programme for the evening was very well received by all; festive decorations including South Asian images and artefacts; songs in diverse languages (including Bengali, Urdu, Hindi, Sindhi and English); the South Asian drums (tabla and baya) and the electric guitar recitals; the background music (including Ravi Shankar’s sitar, soft Bengali music and racy Bhangra); the talks; Bengali poetry; the Lord’s prayer in Hindi; the Gujarati jokes; the video interviews from three different communities and the taste of South Asian food.  Guests were enthusiastic about South Asian women’s and men’s clothes; the saris and shalwar/ kamiz (for women) and kurtas, churidars and chadars (for men).  Some were delighted to learn that apart from the more familiar excitement of Bhangra and Bollywood, South Asian music is often lyrical and passionate.  Clearly, there is a strong link here between our lyrical ballads and Irish ballad traditions’.    

  Joe Ward, Public Relations Officer of the Luton Irish Forum said: ‘It is a great privilege to host an event such as this in our house.  Like the Irish, the Asian communities are part of the vibrant strands that are woven into the rich fabric of Luton.  Our hope is that this Event will cement relations; advancing the community cohesion agenda’.

The Multicultural Events Project is being spearheaded by Luton Irish Forum with funding from the Ireland Fund of Great Britain to promote community cohesion amongst the Irish and other minority ethnic communities in Luton.  Partners include Luton Voices Project, Luton Borough Council (LBC) Museums Service, LBC Social Inclusion Unit, LBC Community Development Services, Dallow Development Trust, Luton Multicultural Women's Coalition, Purbachal - the eastern sky, Shanthona Women’s Group, Dallow Community Television Project, Luton Council of Faiths, Diversity Arts Incubation Project and The Albanian Speaking Community Group.

For further information on the services provided by The Forum, please contact it’s office

Tel: 01582 720447 or Email: info@lutonirishforum.org

Purbachal (established in 1998) is one of the most active Bangladeshi cultural organisations in the UK. It promotes community cohesion by promoting an appreciation of Bangladeshi culture among all communities through a range of events in Luton and beyond. E-mail: Nkhanum@aol.com

Multicultural Events Project

On the evening of Thursday, 25 October, 40 people gathered at Lewsey Farm Learning Centre to celebrate the third stage of Luton’s Multicultural Events Project.  DAIP (Diversity Arts Incubation Programme) and St Vincent & Grenadines Group, with support from Luton Irish Forum presented a thoroughly enjoyable Multicultural Event including Caribbean music, poetry and food.  Half of those present came from outside the West Indian community.   

Mayor of Luton and Chair of St Vincent and the Grenadines Association (Luton & District); Councillor Norris Bullock said: The event was a great success.  Those who attended were treated to a wealth of entertainment i.e. poetry reading, jokes, sharing of stories/experiences, music and good interactive chat rounded off by tasty Caribbean cooking.  This is a good example of the community coming together to celebrate their successes and also to reflect on their past. The Irish community and the Caribbean people have a lot in common i.e. they seem to be the underdog when they first arrived here, and treated similar.  There are links too with Ireland and many of the Caribbean islands where the traces of Irish names and tradition still prevail.  The next event I hope will be an even bigger one. Thanks to the organisers for coordinating this useful event.

  Luton Irish Forum’s Public Relations Officer; Joe Ward, said: ‘The West Indian community resemble the Irish in so many aspects.  Their gregarious nature and a shared experience of immigration have drawn these communities together.  These Multicultural Events have paved the way for further positive public relations’.

The Multicultural Events Project is being spearheaded by Luton Irish Forum with funding from the Ireland Fund of Great Britain to promote community cohesion amongst the Irish and other minority ethnic communities in Luton.  Partners include Luton Voices Project, Luton Borough Council (LBC) Museums Service, LBC Social Inclusion Unit, LBC Community Development Services, Dallow Development Trust, Luton Multicultural Women's Coalition, Purbachal - the eastern sky, Shanthona Women’s Group, Dallow Community Television Project, Luton Council of Faiths, Diversity Arts Incubation Project and The Albanian Speaking Community Group.

  For further information on the services provided by The Forum, please contact it’s office

Tel: 01582 720447 or Email: info@lutonirishforum.org 

Luton Irish Forum is a 648 member charity and is about to enter its 10th Anniversary.  The organisation was formed, and continues to improve welfare and promote culture through a varied programme of activities coordinated at its fully accessible centre; Kathleen Connolly House.

  The Welfare Service advises over 1500 Irish men and women annually. An extensive range of educational classes and presentations are coordinated.  150 members, each week, attend the Tuesday and Wednesday Clubs. The Forum organises the Luton St Patrick’s Festival and is home to the Emerald Pipe Band.  The charity actively engages in a range of key consultations, networks and forums and commissioned The Luton Irish Forum Report on the needs of the local Irish community in 2004.  For further information, please visit our website www.lutonirishforum.org

Multicultural Project Exhibition

Luton Museum Service, Wardown Park, hosted a Multicultural Project Exhibition; the final stage of a Multicultural Events Project this weekend. 

The Multicultural Events Project was spearheaded by Luton Irish Forum with funding from the Ireland Fund of Great Britain, to promote community cohesion amongst the Irish and other minority ethnic communities in Luton. The Project provided the opportunity for community groups to showcase their diversity through multimedia, entertainment and food.  The products of which, were on display and viewed by hundreds of Luton’s residents. 

The Luton Irish Forum’s Emerald Pipe Band Performance launched proceedings, on Saturday, followed by a formal opening by The Leader of Luton Borough Council; Councillor Hazel Simmons and words of acknowledgement by The Forum’s Secretary Frank Horan.  Over the two days, thirty children and their families enjoyed a range on Irish, South Asian & West Indian cultural activities including tabard, collage and bracelet making. 

Luton Irish Forum is indebted to the Ireland Fund for facilitating this series of Events.  We are very grateful to our partners, without whom the project would not have been as successful.  Thanks in particular to: the staff and volunteers of Luton Voices, Purbachal - the eastern sky, Diversity Arts Incubation Programme, Shanthona Women’s Group, St Vincent and the Grenadines Association (Luton & District) and Dallow Community Television Project.  Thanks also to other steering group members: Dallow Development Trust, Luton Multicultural Women's Coalition, Luton Council of Faiths, The Albanian Speaking Community Group, Luton Borough Council Museums Service, Social Inclusion Unit and Community Development Services.

Luton Irish Forum’s Public Relations Officer; Joe Ward, said: We hope that this initiative will be fostered by more minority ethnic groups, in time to come, furthering the community cohesion agenda’.  Mayor of Luton and Chair of St Vincent and the Grenadines Association (Luton & District); Councillor Norris Bullock said: ‘The next Event, I hope, will be an even bigger one; thanks to the organisers for coordinating this useful Project’.

BALLYMORE PROPERTIES DONATES MINIBUS TO LUTON IRISH FORUM CHARITY

Ballymore Properties, a leading UK and international property developer founded in Ireland in 1982, is pleased to announce their sponsorship of The Luton Irish Forum, a charity dedicated to improving the welfare, and promoting the culture of the Irish community in Luton, mainly but not exclusively, through various social, educational, welfare and cultural programmes. Ballymore has donated the funds for the Luton Irish Forum’s new minibus, which will be unveiled at the centre’s Kathleen Connolly House on 17^th July at midday at 102 Hitchin Road, LU2 0ES.  The event will be attended by Margaret Moran; MP for Luton South and President of Luton Irish Forum, members and beneficiaries.

“Joe Ward, Public Relations Officer for Luton Irish Forum said: ‘’To have permanent use of a minibus will change the way we care for our most vulnerable members.  A number of our members are housebound and living in isolation; due to age or disability, and therefore unable to access many of the activities we provide.  Now, due to Ballymore’s generosity in providing a fully accessible vehicle, many more of our disadvantaged members can independently enjoy the freedom to visit places of interest; whether its to the local museum or even to the Christmas panto!’’  

Alex MacDonald, Community Liaison Manager for Ballymore adds: “As with various projects throughout the country, Ballymore is working hard with Luton residents to make a real difference in their lives, particularly the youngest and oldest members of the community who are often forgotten by society. The minibus is our small contribution to the excellent services the Luton Irish Forum provides to its community.”

In addition to the Luton Irish Forum, Ballymore sponsors other activities in the Luton area including the Stockwood Park RFC, a community club who work with children of all abilities, and a regular furniture swap with local charity NOAH, which helps disadvantaged members of the community.  

For further press information on Ballymore Properties please contact Community Liaison Officer Alex MacDonald:

  Luton Irish Forum launches Luton’s Multicultural Events Project

On the evening of Saturday, 23 June, 120 gathered at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish Centre to celebrate the launch of Luton’s Multicultural Events Project.  A quarter of those present were representatives of the Luton’s diverse minority ethnic communities.   

The initiative was allocated funding from the Ireland Fund of Great Britain to promote community cohesion amongst the Irish and 5 other minority ethnic communities in Luton.

The programme for the evening was formally opened by Council Leader; Hazel Simmons and commenced with Luton Irish Forum’s own Emerald Pipe Band.  Following the reception, the theme focused on emigration; though a multimedia presentation featuring one of the Forum’s most committed volunteers; Tony Murphy, and a poetry recitation composed and delivered by Trustee Frank Horan.  An exciting array of Traditional Irish fare satisfied the appetites of the gathering.  Thereafter, the programme included musicians and dancers including Bryan Dolan on accordion, ‘Brooks School of Dance’ and the traditional sounds of ‘Gor Jus Wrex’.    

Our partners, many of which will host their own Multicultural Event; include Luton Voices Project, LBC Museums Service, LBC Social Inclusion Unit, LBC Community Development Services, Dallow Development Trust, Luton Multicultural Women's Coalition, Purbachal - The Eastern Sky, Shanthona Womens Group, Dallow Community Television Project, Luton Council of Faiths, Diversity Arts Incubation Project and The Albanian Speaking Community Group.

On the night, Joe Ward, Public Relations Officer of the Luton Irish Forum said: ‘It is appropriate that the Irish community should host this evening.  The Irish have been coming to Luton for many decades, and they were amongst the first migrants to settle in Luton.  During the 50s and 60s many separate and different communities settled in Luton.  This multicultural mix has made Luton the vibrant and diverse town it is today’.

For further information on the services provided by The Forum, please contact it’s office

Tel: 01582 720447 or Email: info@lutonirishforum.org

Luton Irish Forum is a 648 member charity and is about to enter its 10th Anniversary.  The organisation was formed, and continues to improve welfare and promote culture through a varied programme of activities coordinated at its fully accessible centre; Kathleen Connolly House.

Volunteer's day at the Luton Irish Forum - Thursday 21st December

The volunteer's evening was held on Thursday December 21st for all the forum volunteers who help with the Tuesday and Wednesday clubs, the pipe band, the St Patrick's Festival and other activities of the forum. There was nearly 60 people attending, there was something to eat and drink, Irish Karoke and everyone also received a present from Santa.

Press release October 2006

Press Release

On the 24^th July, Noelette Hanley joined the Luton Irish Forum in the newly created post of Manager.  Funded by Díon (Irish Government funding Agency), the creation of the post comes at a crucial time, as The Forum prepares to move into new premises.

Luton Irish Forum continues to develop it’s services for the welfare of the community in Luton and district. 

In 2004, a study was published outlining the needs of the local Irish community, which recommended the development of a fully accessible Irish Community resource centre.  As the centre nears completion, one of Noelette’s main responsibilities will be to utilise and develop the centre’s potential to it’s maximum.

Fully experienced in managerial and development roles, Noelette said:-

“ I am pleased to be joining the Luton Irish Forum at such an exciting period in it’s development. The Forum provides much needed services to the Irish community in Luton, and I am keen to build on this.”

For further information on the services provided by The Forum, please contact it’s office

Tel: 01582 720447 or Email: info@lutonirishforum.org

Luton Irish Forum News March 2006


Change in structure

Following consultation with the Federation of Irish Societies we have been advised to change our status from a Registered Charity to become a Charitable Company. It is anticipated that relocation would mean more financial liability for the Forum. It would also mean that the Luton Irish Forum can enter into agreements, contracts and leases without the trustees being personally liable financially.

We will still be a registered charity and accountable to the Charities Commission.

The Management Committee would be known as a Board of Directors and would be called upon to be more efficient in the conduct of meetings, minutes, paperwork, etc.

The Management Committee decided to recommend this change in structure to the membership, and an Extraordinary General Meeting was called for Thurs: 18th Aug: 2005 . The meeting passed the resolution and the Luton Irish Forum is now a Charitable Company.

Funding – Staffing 

In July’04 we employed the services of an experienced full time advice worker (M. Maguire). Funded by Dion (The Irish Government Agency) this has been a badly needed service, as is evident by the increasing volume of enquiries which are being dealt with.. Mick is now senior advice worker.


Advice and Outreach Worker

Because of the increase in the demand for advice on UK Pensions , disability living allowance , attendance allowance and benefits in general, the Forum applied for and were successful in obtaining funding for an additional advice and outreach worker in May 2005. The service is for a two year period and is funded by the Department of Works and Pensions. Mary Fitzmaurice was appointed to fill this post in October 2005.


Development Worker

In May 2005 Nicola Molloy joined the staff of the Forum as a Development worker .Again funded by Dion (The Irish Government Agency). Nicola’s main remit is to seek ways to implement the findings of the research carried out by Rehab Care in 2004. Also to initiate a 5 year business plan and to assist in the acquisition and development of alternative premises . She is also responsible for seeking out funding for various projects in which the Forum may become involved, for the benefit of it’s membership. 

GAA - Congratulations

John Gormley (St. Dympna’s Club, Luton) has been elected President of the GAA Provincial Council of Britain.. Collecting his badge of honour Gormley said , “ It is agreat honour for me to-day to become the President of the Provincial Council of Britain “ “We face many challenges ahead “ said John “ and I suppose the biggest one is the recruitment of young players”. He emphasised strongly that more effort must be expended in trying to find players from the local schools.

We congratulate him and wish him every success in his 3 year term of office .

Achill

Once again we welcome to Luton – The Achill Memorial Pipe Band . Here for the second time,Achill and Luton have built up a great friendship over the years. That great Dookinella man Farrell Gallagher has played his part in this. Several times the group from Luton have visited Achill while on the Mayo Holiday, and been accorded a mighty welcome on each occasion . We hope the Band enjoy their visit to Luton this year, as indeed I know we will enjoy their music.

A snippet of history:

Grace O’ Malley (or Granuaile) is one of Achill’s favourite daughters. The O’Malleys were a powerful seafaring family, who traded widely and refused to submit to English rule. Grace became a fearless leader and gained fame as a sea captain and pirate.

In 1593 Grace met with Queen Elizabeth 1 and after discussions Grace was allowed to continue her exploits in Connaught . Grace died in 1603 and was buried in the O’Malley family tomb on Clare Island.