Irish Elders
Safe Start’s Irish Elderly Project prevents social isolation through a range of activities and advice in safe and secure environments across three London Boroughs.
Members meet, share stories and experiences while accessing activities and advisory services to improve their quality of life:
- Housing, Benefits, Pensions and Health advice
- Healthy and Independent Living Project
- Social Activities, Trips and Special Events
- Cultural activities
Lovely club – very friendly and helpful. It is like being in Ireland, ‘homely’.
Quote from one of Safe Start Irish Elderly Project members.
Following the success of our Irish Elderly Project in Wembley, 2008 saw Safe Start expand the service to accommodate large numbers of Irish Elderly in Cricklewood and Hillingdon.
Safe Start runs the Hillingdon Irish Club alongside Open Age. It has proved a hugely successful partnership with attendances now close to 100 each week. Open Age have been able to provide transport for those individuals who would otherwise be unable to get out, socialise and be truly active Community Members
Case Study
Carmel
“Safe Start is definitely the best thing to ever happen to me…It’s so wonderful to have met so many new people and make such great new friends. As a widow, I was worried I’d be moping around and about slipping into a depression. Thanks to Safe Start Wembley all my days are filled up now, there’s not enough time in the week!”
Carmel is a widow from Sligo. Having retired in August 2008, she was concerned about becoming isolated. After being told about our Wembley Project she decided to see what was on offer and regularly attends Irish Set Dancing, Lunch with Friends and Bingo.
Carmel is also currently undertaking the Safe Start IT course. It allows her to email her new friends, and importantly, her two Sisters in Ireland.