This summer myself and my colleague, Niamh McCarthy, took advantage of the Morgan McKinley Million volunteering days and decided to dedicate our working day to getting out and about in the London community! Because we are both Irish professionals living in London we thought it would be nice to visit the London Irish Centre in Camden to help out on one of their lunch events.
The London Irish centre is a charity and community centre that supports Irish people and Irish culture in London. They often run poetry and music evenings, and they also run lunch days three times a week which is what myself and Niamh took part in. The lunch day is an afternoon for senior people where they can come along and have tea, a nice wholesome meal and socialise, most of these people have been living away from Ireland for a very long time and have become isolated so they really enjoy the social aspect of all getting together.
From my perspective it was so lovely to spend time with them, listen to their stories and just generally be able to help make sure that they had a good time and enjoyed themselves!
Here’s how Niamh got on:
‘From the minute we arrived at the London Irish Centre in Camden we were welcomed with open arms and the well known Irish charm. It was an absolute pleasure to spend time lending a helping hand, getting to know the older Irish community here in London and listening to their stories. I am proud to say I’m Irish knowing they offer this service to the senior, more vulnerable people living here in London that may not have people at hand to offer support. I will definitely be going back!’
If you are Irish and living in London, or simply enjoy Irish culture, why not visit the London Irish centre!