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.

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, disability living allowance, attendance allowance, referral for counselling, employment allowance and community care grants. 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.

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.