What ISAS does
In this section you will find information about where and when to come to our advice services as well as where and when the pensioner groups meet. There is also information about our outreach service.
Pensioner Groups
The pensioner groups provide a place for people to meet and enjoy the company of others. ISAS currently has two pensioner groups, one based at the Irish Centre in Hammersmith and the other in Ealing, where currently more than 55 people attend the weekly meeting.  The group includes many in their 80’s, and the oldest member is 95 years old. “It stops many Irish people from getting lonely and isolated,” says one member, who enjoys the activities and excursions. These provide a way to make new friends, and find out about the other services which ISAS offers.
The Hammersmith group meet at the Irish Cultural Centre (address below) on Fridays, from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.
The Ealing group meet at the William Hobbayne Centre, Lower Boston Road, Hanwell W7 2NP, on Mondays from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Advice Services
We have a drop-in advice service at the Irish Cultural Centre three times a week and once a week in Ealing Community Resource Centre. Our advisers assist over 1200 people a year with a variety of enquiries, including how to claim a pension, obtaining housing benefit to help pay rent, getting sheltered accommodation and claiming additional benefits for poor health. We also provide advice on returning to Ireland and how to obtain an Irish pension, birth certificate or passport. Because of pressure on our advisers, clients need to make an appointment following their first visit.
The drop-in advice service at the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith is available at the following times:
|
 |
Morning |
Afternoon |
|
Monday |
10 – 1 |
Closed |
|
Tuesday |
10 – 1 |
Closed |
|
Wednesday |
Appointments only |
|
|
Thursday |
10 – 1 |
Closed |
|
Friday |
Appointments only |
|
The drop-in advice service in Ealing is held on Friday morning from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the
Ealing Community Resource Centre, 63 Mattock Lane, West Ealing W13 9LA (corner of Northfield Avenue).
Outreach Service
One member of staff provides an outreach service in South-West London, making one-to-one home visits to deal with welfare advice, advocacy and support. This service is directed at the most vulnerable and those in poor health who are unable to attend our drop-in advice surgeries.  Due to considerable demand appointments for these visits are made approximately two weeks in advance.
ISAS advises on:Â pensions, disability living allowance, attendance allowance, referral for counselling, housing benefit, employment allowance, community care grants, appeals, applications to sheltered housing, Irish housing assocations, applications for an Irish passport or birth certificate.
For information on any of these services, please contact us on 020 8741 0466.
