Haringey Irish Cultural &
Community Centre
Wild Fuscia/Deora De (Tears of God)
Annual Report 2013
AGENDA
Annual General Meeting
Tuesday 25th June 2013
1. Reading of the notice convening the meeting
2. Adoption of Standing Orders
3. Minutes of 2012 Annual General Meeting
4. Chair’s report
5. Treasurer’s report & statement of aCCounts for
year ending 31 March 2013
6. Appointment of Officers and Members of the Irish
Centre
7. Ratification of User Group Members
8. Appointment of Auditor
9. Any Other Business
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Chairpersons Report
Well here we are again with my third annual report as Chair of the Haringey Irish Centre.
Where we ask ourselves is the time gone and how fast things are moving. In my last report I
mentioned the Tottenham riots and how it affected many people’s lives. I myself was down
on Tottenham High Road recently and was surprised to see how much improvement has
been done to better the place. I walked around the new Aldi. The new carpet shop that was
so badly burned down is coming on a treat. For that I really do admire the community of
Tottenham and all concerned for bringing our Tottenham back
I am delighted to see how well the luncheon club is progressing. Many thanks to Patrick,
Christine, Chris and especially the volunteers who play an important role in keeping it all
going. I am pleased to see how well the pensioner’s outings and tea dances are doing. Many
thanks again to Eileen Hanley, Moira Terrill and Kay Hunt for their great work considering
they are doing this voluntary. Special credit must go to Eileen Hanley who had the
misfortune to go through a serious illness last year and has come back fighting fit. Good on
you Eileen
Last but not least I would like to thank all people who support our 50/50 draw. It is going
well but I would be pleased to see more people getting involved as this money is going to
the upkeep of the Centre. As a Chairperson for the Irish Centre for three years I must admit
I enjoyed every moment of it. Previous to taking on the position of Chair I was the Treasurer
and before that Membership Secretary. When I was voted in as Chair I did not know what to
expect. It was an eye opener for me. I did not realise how much work was involved in the
running of the Centre. I like to think I have done my bit to help.
I must extend my thanks to the staff at the Centre and of course the good committee I work
with. We face a difficult task ahead but and you can be assured of my support. I don’t intend
to stand for election this year but I will continue to fundraise and work for the Centre. Mind
you I doubt if I will miss the endless meetings with the committee. In conclusion I would like
to thank the General Management Committee, our funders, Haringey Council and the Irish
Government Emigrant Support Programme. Last but not least may I thank everybody who
has supported the Centre and I sincerely hope the Irish Centre will continue to flourish.
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Elizabeth Doocey , Chair
Betty with Jo Cleary
Treasurers Report
I have now been in the position of Treasurer for the past three years and I have to say that this year
has been the most challenging financially yet primarily due to the difficult economic climate globally.
Of course this is a worldwide problem and all are suffering.
In the space of a year we've gone from a healthy surplus of £30,000 to deficit. The deficit is set to
get worse in the current year. The reason for this is not hard to find. Our main funder Haringey
Council changed the system of voluntary sector funding from core grants to commissioning. The
change had to do with a move away from supporting posts to support for activities and services. The
amount of funding was also cut from £55,000 to £40,000. There was a cut in funding from the Irish
Government's Emigrant Support Project that supports both the Advice & Support Service and the
Day Care & Lunch Club. While some of the Haringey grant has gone to fund both the Advice &
Support Service and the Day Care & Lunch Club it has not been enough to replace the amount of ESP
grant that was lost. Also we had less Spurs home games than the previous year
All Income stream are down on the previous year. Use of facilities is down from £131,196 to
£110,183, a reduction of £21,013. Bar income is down from £273,894 to £258358 a fall of £15,356.
Income from the Car Park is down from £34,172 to £32,617 a reduction of £1,555. The 50/50 draw
made £4,653 this year compared to £8,522 the previous year.
Looking to the future Haringey Council’s decision on circular funding/peppercorn rents is critical. We
will look to better market the Centre and keep a close eye on costs with emphasis on reductions in
wastages.
I would also like to mention my gratitude to all the volunteers especially the Committee who have
tirelessly given up their time & energy freely. It is greatly appreciated. I would wish to thank all our
patrons for their support during the year together with our funders Haringey Council and the
Emigrant Support Service.
Bernadette McGowan
Treasurer
3
Manager’s Report
Haringey's Health and Wellbeing Strategy recommends ' making available accessible cheap space to
enable new groups to form and existing groups to flourish, by better matching the community space
in the borough to community need'. And yet we may well be entering a new era where the idea of
low cost community space is a thing of the past. The Council, has long championed low cost
community space for groups, is currently reviewing community buildings in the borough. One of the
major elements of support for community buildings, circular funding or peppercorn rent is also
under review. It is clear that the Council wish to move away from the existing system. Dinesh
Kotecha said as much at a meeting with community groups recently. He added the Council members
still want to keep community buildings but they also wish to bring to an end circular funding or
peppercorn rents. A recent survey by the Council revealed many of the buildings are in a poor state
of repair. In difficult financial times the Council is under more scrutiny than ever as to how it
allocates its resources.
Up to now Community Buildings have been viewed as public spaces with a mixture of charitable and
social uses. In this respect community buildings were looked on as having a status not far off that of
public parks. This is the case no longer. In recent years the language has changed. Community
Buildings are now marketable assets and as such can be sold on. The voluntary sector , it must be
said, have a new "right to bid" that will allow groups to delay a sale but unless the community group
raise the finance the properties will be sold to the highest bidder and that includes the private
sector. The Council's Community Building portfolio represents a major investment and it must be
tempting to ease their financial burden in difficult financial times. However public spaces are more
important then providing a quick financial fix. Once they have been lost, including the huge public
effort to keep and maintain them over the years, they will not return. The Irish Centre has always
been a great source of pride for people. We have always been aware of our responsibilities in
maintaining it and in promoting community services and activities.
4
Long serving Secretary, Pat Kelly taking in the Olympic spirit and wishes more of that for the Centre.
The Centre is one of the few local venues able to cater for the needs of the young and the old. Many
dance and music groups for young people take place alongside pensioner groups organising tea
dances and other dance classes. We have made a special effort this year to reach out to
communities that have not been to the Centre in the past. They include a Facebook inspired group
'Residents of Tottenham Re-united' that organised a social evening in the hall. This year with the
help of Council funding a series of events have been organised to attract a wider audience to the
Centre. The events include a Multi-Cultural Day, Dance Competition and Disability Workshop on the
theme of circus skills. Thanks to all those who took the lead to make the events a success.
At the Centre we have always looked to energetic groups to run activities and services. Our
Pensioners group run a monthly Tea Dance and outings. Similarly we have a successful card group
and bingo group. Irish music and dance tradition prosper at the Centre. Comhalts Ceoltoiri Eireann
hold regular music sessions in the Lounge and a number of Fleadhs throughout the year. The Trainor
and Deegan step dancing schools keep the dance tradition alive among young people and Margaret
Morrin caters for adult set dancers. Over the years we have increased the use the Centre as a
community resource for a divergent range of local organisations. Haringey Children Services are
regular users of our meeting rooms with up to 30 meetings per year that includes skill training.
Another user group ' Singing for the Brain' use choral singing and gentle exercise to improve wellbeing among Alzheimer's sufferers. Well established groups with their main office at the Centre
include Causeway Housing Association, Kith & Kids, PEEC and Haringey Shed.
Our Advice and Support Service annually helps over 1000 clients ranging from the elderly to young
families to those with chaotic lives in need of long- term housing and substance abuse support.
Haringey is one of the boroughs picked to trial the Governments controversial benefit cap. The
Service is helping clients to deal with the effect of those changes. The cap is set at £500 per week
for families and £350 for single people. Many have lost money and face eviction. Again the Council
as a major Landlord will face difficult decisions in this respect. The Leader of the Council, Claire
Kober, has criticised Housing Associations for being quick to move to eviction as a way of dealing
with arrears. Others who manage to hold on to their tenancy have difficulty paying for food and
heating. The Service works with FoodShare to supply free food to people in difficulty. They also offer
5
other skills and support services to vulnerable and isolated local residents such as computer training,
a film club, and information on health and welfare issues. Thanks to support from ESP grant we replaced the Haringey Council run Lunch Club at the Centre with our own Day Care & Lunch Club on 3
days per week. Mary Callan has made substantial personal donations to the club and the staff and
volunteers have helped make it a great success.
Our General Management Committee and Volunteers are dedicated to the success of the Centre. I
wish to thank our General Management Committee for their work during the year led by the
Chair Betty Doocey; Teresa Intavarant, Manager of the Advice & Support Service and her
team; Centre Administrator, Fran Baker; Bar Manager Jim Anderson and staff; our Facilities
Manager, Sam Ezoua and staff and finally the staff of the Day Care & Lunch Club Christina,
Chris and Patrick.
Tony Brennan
Haringey Irish Pensioners Report
Haringey Irish Pensioners (HIP) our voluntary social organisation into our 9th year and
continues to thrive attracting new members from as far as Ilford and Kent. The large
attendances at the monthly Tea Dances have created great vibrancy and friendliness which
epitomises our great success and is evident in alleviating loneliness, improves quality of life
and health.
Management
We are a small hard-working committee, elected at the AGM in October. As the current
Chair I have been in post for 8 years and will be stepping-down. Hopefully, a new leader is in
the wings. There are good signs.
Membership
HIP is open to over sixties. Life subscription is £5. Through time we registered 530 members
though many now in their late 80’s and 90’s are no longer able to attend. Currently there
are more than 400 in contact.
Source of Funding
Income
Irish Government Emigrant Support Grant
Irish Fund GB
£3,700
£1,425
6
Other income- membership, raffles, tea dances
Total incoming resources
£6,851
£11,976
Expenditure
Four coach (52 seat) trips to
- various sea-sides.
In-house show – Rambling House from Ireland.
Christmas Buffet/Dance Party
St Patrick’s (Mass) Buffet/Dance Party
Monthly Tea/Dances
Total Expenditure
Bank Balance: June
£2,460
£800
£3,313
£3,000
£3,350
£12,923
£1770
Social Activities
Our main events are advertised in the Irish papers and on the internet. Music and Dance is a
rich healing force. The long cold winter did not deter our pensioners form dancing the stackof-barley. There is a visible increase in men now attending, so we have witnessed some very
graceful dancing partners. Our “one person bands” are excellent and requested back. They
create a very lively atmosphere. We were very honoured to have representatives from our
main funders at our Christmas party, Jane Connolly from the Irish Embassy and Sean
Henderson and Elizabeth Wycherly from the Ireland Fund of GB.
We are very privileged to have Maura Terrill so generously giving her time and boundless
energy. She is a true humanitarian and inspirational organiser. Kay Hunt is our excellent
treasurer with her eye on the “croc of gold”. We are thankful to Mary Burke for all her good
work. Mary has resigned as Secretary as she is busy with the Lunch Club. Many thanks to
Betty Doocey for helping Kay at the door, Tony and Fran with their admin support, Sam who
always helps with moving and arranging furniture for main events, Jim and his bar staff.
Finally many thanks to Joan O’Connor who was highly commended for her quality food
provided for our 2 large buffets for approx 350 people for each sitting.
The Irish Centre is always welcoming and the Advice & Support staff excellent. We connect
well with the Lunch Club as well as the bingo club and the many people who enjoy our
services and activities. We donated £200 to the Lunch Club for a musician at Christmas. We
appreciate volunteers on our Committee to carry this enjoyable project forward. The date of
our AGM is October 31st at 5pm. Our club is always welcoming.
Eileen Hanley
Chair
7
Kay Hunt presents Teresa Intavarant with a raffle prize at the Chrismas Party.
Events
Committee Member and organiser of the Multi-Cultural Open Day – Hyacinth O’Garro
8
Committee Member and organiser of the Disability Workshop – Annie Whyte
Advice & Support Service
Annual Report 2013
The Advice & Support Service provides confidential front-line advice,
advocacy, casework, outreach and specialist referrals. The Service has 4
full time workers which consist of an Advice & Support Service Manager, a
Disability Advisor, an Outreach Advisor and a Receptionist/ Administrator.
The Advice & Support Service plays a vital role in tackling a high level of
need within the Irish community by giving advice, support and advocacy
in areas such as Welfare Benefits, Homelessness, Housing Issues,
Disability, Legal Issues, Identity, Tax and Debt Advice to name but a few.
The Service also addresses the problems of the ageing and vulnerable
population through advice, advocacy, workshops, activities including a
free Social Inclusion Film Club and partnerships with local/national
organisations along with free ongoing computer training for Irish people
aged 50+ who have little or no knowledge of computers.
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The Advice & Support Service underwent an extensive independent
audit by the Advice Quality Standard Commission on 12th October
2012 to review our policies, procedures, practices and systems in place.
We worked extremely hard to upgrade our advice category to include an
additional 3 casework levels in Welfare Benefits, Disability and Housing; a
significant improvement on the existing general advice level. We were
successful in our objective and were awarded the Quality Mark
certification from 30th October 2012 to 30th October 2014.
The Advice & Support Service challenged a number of unfair
decisions and assisted 1,172 clients with 3,921 enquiries. We were
successful in obtaining £2,997,805 in benefits for clients from 1st
January 2012 up until 31st December 2012. The main type of enquiries
included
income maximisation checks, disputing benefit decisions,
securing housing, debt advice, resolving health matters, obtaining identity
documents, addressing legal issues, making grant applications,
negotiating disability issues, providing emergency assistance, seeking
employment rights, providing cultural information, encouraging
educational activity, resolving housing repair issues and financial
information. We also ran several awareness projects in addition to the
core of the workload.
Tribunal representation has continued to be an important aspect of our
work over the past twelve months. Many people, particularly the sick,
disabled and elderly, have great difficulty in obtaining essential benefits.
This is mainly due to incorrect decision making when the claim is initially
processed.
This inappropriate decision making causes a drain on
community resources when you consider the time that is required
reversing these unfair decisions. People are denied benefits at this point
(which they later become entitled to) which causes extreme financial
hardship in most cases. The process of reviewing and then appealing a
case can take anything from 3 months right up to 2 years or more.
Trying to cope without these benefits or on reduced benefits for so long
can have serious effects on health and choices available. This usually
impacts adversely on their overall quality of life. Our success rate at
tribunals is running at 56% (over half of the people applying). This figure
is substantial when you consider how many people are affected overall
and the amount of backdated benefit that is obtained.
Housing continues to be an increasingly difficult resource to access in
London, especially local authority housing. However we have forged
links with registered social landlords and private sector landlords
in an attempt to address this issue and to secure alternative options for
clients. The Advice & Support Service has worked hard in the past to
successfully protect established referral rights to projects such as ‘Aisling
House’ a sheltered accommodation scheme where we negotiated 50%
referral rights for older Irish people. In response to housing scarcity, our
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partnership working with Causeway Housing Association through the
Step Up scheme has assisted many homeless clients to secure private
rented accommodation. In addition to this, we intend to build up/expand
our database of reputable private landlords who are willing to partner us
in order to speed up the process of re-housing.
One of our main strengths is our ability to react quickly in emergency
situations as well as being flexible and practical in our approach. We are
able to attend to emergencies/crisis situations that present outside of
drop-in hours either at the office or elsewhere when necessary. This
resolves matters quickly and effectively avoiding further unnecessary
complications and anxiety for the clients. The Service is accessible
through drop-in, outreach, appointments, telephone, post, email and fax.
Feedback from clients suggests that they value the ease of access to
services available at the Advice & Support Service along with the
standard, range and diversity of assistance provided.
The Service continues to be one of the named offices for the
distribution of Irish Passport Application Forms as part of the
voluntary initiative instigated by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Our
details are available on the Passport Office website and we have many
telephone enquiries and callers in respect of Irish Passport/Citizenship
queries. We have gradually built up direct liaison with some of the officers
at the Passport Office which has been of great benefit to the community
in light of recent cuts, particularly in emergencies or where matters have
been more complicated.
The free Social Inclusion Film Club has been well attended. It is open
to anyone who feels isolated or needs an outlet where they can socialise
in a warm and welcoming environment. There is no cost to attend, no
obligation to book in ahead as you can literally turn up on the day. We
are now coming up to our 7th year of the Film Club and have over seventy
members. Our average attendance is twenty five. The big screen and
projector certainly enhance the event, whilst the home baked scones and
soda bread baked served by our volunteers give it a distinctly Irish
flavour.
As an ongoing practical resource and in line with client feedback, the
Service has developed and maintained a partnership with the Carmelites
in Dublin with the objective of providing affordable mass cards for
clients, in particular older clients. We have a stock of cards for R.I.P., Get
Well, St Patricks Day, Easter, Anniversary, Wedding, Christmas etc. where
the named person is prayed for throughout the year. We believe this
project is worthwhile and useful especially when you consider 524 cards
were purchased by clients in the past twelve months. This project has
created a vibrant sense of community in that it has ease of access and
caters for pensioners attending tea dances, those attending drop-in or
11
people who attend the luncheon club.
people who meet here unexpectedly.
Very often it re-acquaints Irish
The Advice & Support Service continues to work in partnership with
the Safe Home Programme to prepare and support those who wish to
return to live in Ireland.
The Service would typically provide an
opportunity for clients to consider the implications of the move and
address any anxieties or concerns in this regard in close liaison with the
staff at the Safe Home Programme.
Work also continues on the Website where we have promoted the
services available at the Advice & Support Service and through the Centre
itself as well as identifying other organisations based at the Centre. It
gives information on opening times, our location, staff details, transport
options and forthcoming events as well as events past in the form of a
monthly programme. We are currently in the process of adding new links,
a gallery and information on our most recent tenants.
Other hands-on initiatives undertaken throughout the year included (1)
FareShare – we subscribe a nominal amount to a scheme that matches
surplus food from supermarkets to community groups for distribution to
their clients, a partnership with the (2) Haringey Foodbank – we
secured referral rights allowing us to send clients in desperate financial
situations to the local foodbank to obtain food hampers, (3) the Bus
Saver Scheme – this was set up in-house and involves purchasing a bulk
of single bus tickets direct from London Transport at a reduced cost.
These are purchased in advance to give to disadvantaged clients in
emergencies to help them to get to urgent appointments, (4) the Monkey
Card initiative is a scheme whereby we purchase supermarket cards in
advance and put a small amount of credit on each which we then
distribute to clients at times of urgent need.
These have proven
invaluable to many clients at times of serious financial hardship
(5) InKind Direct affiliation - this enables us to purchase practical basic
household goods at substantially reduced costs for clients in need. Our
contacts with these various organisations have enabled us to use our
funds prudently and very practically reaching across a wider group of
clients within the community. It has ensured best value outcome for a
relatively small financial investment used to alleviate poverty and assist
our more destitute clients.
Future Concerns…….
The Governments Welfare Reforms will widen the gap between the UK’s
richest and poorest areas, according to new research by Sheffield Hallam
University. Among the findings are that the reforms will take nearly £19
billion per year out of the economy, the equivalent of £490 for every
working age adult.
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The introduction of the Governments benefit caps in Haringey, Enfield,
Bromley and Croydon from April 2013 has meant an increase in the
number of people requiring assistance from the Service. This is to be
rolled out nationwide from summer 2013 and it is estimated that 56,000
households would be affected (almost half of these in Greater London)
losing £93 per week. Gingerbread said it was ‘deeply concerned’ about
the impact on families and communities, fearing many children would be
pushed into poverty or uprooted from social and family networks.
Coupled with this is the introduction of the Bedroom Tax - those of
working age found to have more bedrooms than they are entitled to
(under the size criteria rules) will have a percentage deduction applied to
their eligible rent 14% for one room & 25% for 2 rooms or more for
benefit assessments - and the reduction in benefit for Council Tax –
full Council Tax benefit is no longer available for those on means tested
benefits and low incomes, 80.02% is now the maximum amount of
benefit that can be applied to any individual claim. It is estimated that the
combined average loss per household will be £16.90 per week. Given
that the basic means tested benefit for those affected of working age is
£71.70 these are swinging cuts to an already meagre income.
In June 2013 Personal Independence Payments (PIP) began to
replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people aged 16-64
nationally. From October 2013 existing DLA recipients will be ‘invited’ to
claim PIP, starting with those whose DLA award is due for renewal.
People need to be aware that if they fail to apply for PIP their DLA will
cease. The new PIP will not have a lower rate of entitlement and
entitlement to the higher rate will be even more difficult to achieve.
Based on the draft descriptors, the Department of Work & Pensions has
estimated that about half a million fewer people will qualify for PIP than
would have qualified under DLA. Even the British Paralympic Team have
expressed concern that they might not be eligible for PIP!
It is worth
noting that this is being introduced against the backdrop of severe cuts
within the NHS and social care.
The Government has recently revised its Universal Credit impact
assessment to show that 2.8 million households will receive less benefit
under the new scheme. Around 800,000 households will see an average
loss of £137 a month, while the 300,000 hardest hit families will lose as
much as £300 a month. Running alongside this issue is the increase in
debt problems which are having a significant impact on work and home
lives, family relationships as well as physical and mental health. In a
survey of 1700 people experiencing debt problems by Citizens Advice
51% of all respondents in employment said their work performance was
suffering, 56% said debt worries were affecting their relationships and
nearly 75% said their mental health was affected. Worryingly, 38% were
taking no action to tackle their debts and were hoping the problem would
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go away. The NHS estimate that health problems cost an estimated £77
billion a year in healthcare, benefits and lost productivity. Getting free,
confidential financial advice can make all the difference between getting
on top of money problems or seeing debts spiral out of control.
Cuts to the Legal Aid budget and restrictions on areas of assistance,
mostly in civil matters such as housing, family issues, benefits etc. will
undoubtedly limit the rights and representation for those presenting with
serious and complex problems. It removes the option of accessing
specialised legal advice which could have resulted in a local authority
been threatened with court action where they may have been found to be
derelict in their duty. This change will ultimately further disempower the
public, at a time of sweeping cuts in many other areas of advocacy.
In times of extreme poverty and hardship and with the many forthcoming
welfare reforms ahead, the need for advocacy and support from the
Advice & Support Service will be even greater than ever.
Haringey Irish Centre Advice & Support Service partnership with
Causeway Step Up Project.
The Step-Up Project is a private sector leasing scheme funded by Crisis
and HACT to assist single homeless or vulnerably housed people who are
often excluded from accessing the private rented sector. This is often a
result of being unable to find the large deposits and other upfront costs
that are generally a perquisite to securing accommodation in this sector.
Additional services offered by the scheme included arranging for local
allowance payments to be paid directly to landlords, providing tenants
with moving in packs and having the time necessary to support tenants in
the move to new accommodation and intervene if and when things go
wrong. The service proved to be an attractive proposition for landlords
introduced to it via the Advice & Support Service.
The Haringey Irish Centre Advice & Support Service had already
established a number of solid links with local landlords and others further
afield with whom they worked with to secure accommodation for service
users in housing need. As the Step Up scheme is able to provide
landlords with some financial security by providing a written bond
guarantee of four weeks rent against loss of rental income or damage to
property, landlords were interested in participating in the scheme.
The Advice & Support Service actively promoted the Step Up scheme and
assisted those interested to complete the Step up application forms and
obtain the relevant necessary supporting documents. This meant that the
scheme had access to a constant stream of prospective tenants. When a
landlord’s property became vacant the people referred by the Advice &
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Support Service were in a position to sign up relatively quickly reducing
void times. As the Step Up scheme recruited more landlords it was able
to place more tenants into suitable accommodation. This ready supply of
prospective tenants with all the appropriate documentation resulted in
landlords having their empty property tenanted quickly. This in turn
resulted in more property being offered to the scheme which enabled
strong relationships to be built with a variety of landlords.
The joint working between the Advice & Support Service and Step Up,
particularly in the set up and early stages of the scheme, was
fundamental in accessing landlords, housing tenants and enabling the
Step Up scheme to demonstrate the services they could provide to
landlords. It was as a result of this relationship that the Step Up scheme
was able to expand quickly. The fact that both services were based in the
same building helped this mutually beneficial relationship develop and
provide an efficient and effective service for our clients.
Contributed by Pat Connolly from Causeway Housing Association
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INNISFREE HOUSING SURGERY 2013
Starting in February, Innisfree Housing Association held a fortnightly surgery for
their residents in the Haringey and Enfield area. The sessions took place on
Thursdays 10-12.00. The sessions were opportunities for tenants in this area to
meet with their Housing Officer and discuss any issues regarding repairs, rent or
other tenancy matters.
With the introduction of the Bedroom Tax and Council Tax Support and as
Haringey and Enfield were two of the areas to trail the Benefit Cap- where
families on benefits can only receive a maximum of £500 per week- it also gave
a chance for those affected to receive support in applying for Discretionary
Housing Payments and advice around their options. We were successful in this
application and we were awarded over £100 a week in Housing Benefit for five
months for a tenant who is affected by the Benefit Cap. These sessions were
invaluable as it gave a chance to meet with tenants I had not previously and
also strengthened existing ties with the Haringey Irish Centre. Also meeting at
the Centre meant we had access to the Internet so I could raise repairs, look at
the current rent account and make direct application to the Council. I would like
to thank The Advice & Support Service Team at the Haringey Irish Centre for
their warm welcome and use of their facilities and look forward to working with
them more in the future.
Over the Summer, the sessions will take place on a quarterly basis, starting
from 5th July. We will also be able to refer tenants to the Haringey Welfare
Benefit Hub at Apex House.: This is a One Stop Shop for Haringey residents who
are affected by the Welfare Benefit changes. Innisfree will also be at the
Summer Multi Cultural Open Day on 29th June, so please come and say Hello.
Contributed by Tracie Noone from Innisfree Housing Association
Haringey Pop Up! - Hackney Community Law Centre
Haringey Pop Up is a new service brought by Hackney Community Law Centre to
provide free independent legal advice and court representation for housing
problems where legal aid is available. It offers invaluable advice and assistance
for Haringey residents affected by homelessness, harassment, unlawful eviction,
very serious disrepair or possession proceedings.
“Hackney Community Law Centre’s social welfare team has over 80 years
collective experience in housing law and I am delighted to be able to deliver
some of that knowledge and expertise to Haringey residents. It is clear by the
number of worried people coming to the door there is a huge need for such a
service in Haringey and we achieve great results for people by explaining the law
and their rights, making legal representations or representing at court.
The Irish Centre is an exciting, vibrant, multi cultural community hub and so is
an ideal base for our legal services and a uniquely friendly, supportive,
environment for any Haringey resident seeking help and advice or who are
fearful of losing their homes.”
Contributed by Val Thomas Solicitor Hackney Community Law Centre
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Clients Province of Origin 2013
16%
25%
34%
25%
Client Age Group and Gender
300
267
258
250
200
179
160
150
101
86
100
55
66
50
0
Under 25
26-40
41-60
Male
17
Female
Over 61
Monies Obtained for Clients January - December 2012
TYPE OF AWARD
MONEY
AWARDED
TYPE OF AWARD
MONEY
AWARDED
ALLEGED DEBT
REVOKED
£49,839.43
£49,621.64
ATTENDANCE
ALLOWANCE
£278,917.60 INDUSTRIAL INJURIES
£11,700.00
BEREAVEMENT
BENEFIT
£2,000.00
INLAND REVENUE
£2,294.10
BLUE BADGE
£42,000.00
IRISH PENSION
£5,750.00
C.I.C.I
£1,500.00
JOBSEEKERS ALLOWANCE
£37,688.00
CARERS ALLOWANCE
£9,109.00
LEGAL ISSUES
£10,431.14
CHILD BENEFIT
£140,327.20 LOCAL HOUSING
ALLOWANCE
£7,200.00
CHILD TAX CREDIT
£234,093.00 MILK TOKENS
£892.80
COMPENSATION
NEGOTIATED
£42,000.00
PENSION
£256,821.53
COUNCIL TAX
BENEFIT
£22,761.11
PENSION CREDIT
£430,344.00
DISABILITY LIVING
ALLOWANCE
£831,775.90 SEVERE DISABILITY
PREMIUM
INCOME SUPPORT
£58,500.80
EMPLOYMENT &
£338,913.63 SOCIAL FUND
SUPPORT ALLOWANCE
£7,625.20
FREEDOM PASS
£17,500.00
TAXI CARD
£8,630.00
GRANT APPLICATION
£1,246.00
UTILITY BILL CREDIT
£120.00
HOUSING BENEFIT
£78,002.32
WINTER FUEL PAYMENT
£200.00
OVERALL TOTAL AMOUNT OF BENEFITS OBTAINED:
£2,977,804.69
Our thanks to…
Sincere thanks to the Irish Government for the continued funding of this
important project along with their ongoing support through the Emigrant
Support Programme. Thanks also to the Centre Management Committee
and the Centre Manager for their guidance and involvement throughout
the year.
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Premises Report
Firstly, I’d like to thank the Premises Committee members for their enthusiasm and effort
shown throughout the year. 2012 / 2013 has been a difficult year from a financial perspective
and this in turn affects the improvements we would like to deliver at the centre. Over the past
5 years we have made major improvements to the building including installing a new lift
system and replacing all floor coverings on the stairwells and upper floor corridors.
For 2013 / 2014 we are looking at revamping the foyer and funds permitting, making
improvements to the lounge area which is a great asset to the building in generating much
needed funds to sustain the great work that the Centre does. We are also going to look at how
all of the rooms/spaces at the centre can be improved to attract a wider user base.
A word of thanks needs to go to Eileen and Moira and all who help to ensure the garden area
looks bright and colourful; all of these efforts help to make the Centre a welcoming and
inviting space to visit and a place we should all be proud of.
Go raibh mile maith agaibh go léir!
Annie Whyte
Chair – Premises Committee 2012/2013
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Haringey Irish Day Care & Lunch Club
Haringey Irish Day Care & Lunch Club services for the elderly are held at the Irish Centre on
Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week from 10am -3pm.
A two course meal is cooked by a qualified chef. Any special dietary needs will be met.
We run a variety of activities at the day centre.
Our aim is to provide a hearty welcome in a friendly and warm environment.
We currently have capacity for more people. If you are interested in attending either service
please telephone Patrick or Christina on 020 8885 5799
Email: patrickirishdaycare@btconnect.com
Mary Callan at the Lunch Club
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Groups with Office Space at the Centre
Causeway Irish Housing Association is primarily aimed at Irish people aged between 18-45
years old, on low incomes or unemployed, who need affordable accommodation and some
support to enable them to live independently in the community and prepare them for move
on. Accommodation exists in partnership with Circle 33 Housing Trust, Battersea Churches
and Chelsea Housing Trust and from the local authorities in Haringey and Hammersmith.
Causeway has 220 units. Two housing managers provide support services and advice, as
well as managing the housing stock.
CEO: Joanne Murray. Phone 020 83651751; Email: info@irishcauseway.com;
www.irishcauseway.org.uk
Kith & Kids provides activities, opportunities, information and support for people with
learning disability or autism, their parents, carers and siblings. Activities include social
development projects in the school holidays, weekend clubs and an employment and life
skills project. Kith & Kids aim to help the whole family overcome social isolation and live
more fulfilled lives. Per year they support 350 families and provide training and
opportunities to 700 people which includes volunteers and other organisations.
CEO: Marjolein de Vries. Phone 020 8801 7432. Email projects@kithandkids.org.uk
www.kithandkids.org.uk
Polish and Eastern European Christian Family Centre (PEEC) provide advice & support to
Eastern European families and individuals. PEEC organises ESOL classes and training while
providing crèche facilities. Up to 300 clients receive advice on benefits; 120 clients receive
help with job search; 160 clients gain help with housing; 95 clients received help registering
with GP’s and Schools: 250 clients helped with translations and 250 found help via
counselling, psychological support, alpha courses etc.
CEO Gosai Shannon. Phone 020 8365 9090. Email: info@peec.org.uk; www.peec.org.uk
Haringey Shed: Haringey Shed offers performing arts workshops to children and young
people from 3-19 in Haringey. The Charity aims to advance and promote inclusion using
music, dance & drama. 30% of the participants have disabilities or special needs. They have
a Children’s & Youth Theatre, 2 bands, a choir, a dance group and an early years music
group which meet weekly during term time. There are also half-term projects and a 3-week
summer project. The groups offer around 8 professionally produced performances per year.
Around 400 children attend these workshops over the year. They also take inclusive music
theatre programmes into local schools engaging with a further 1200 children and provide
over 100 volunteer opportunities for young people of all abilities throughout the year
CEO Jim Shepley. Email admin@haringeyshed.org; www.haringey shed.org
Non office based groups at the Centre
Health, Welfare and Housing:
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Haringey Children Care Services
Haringey Foster Carers
Haringey Family Group Conferences
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Haringey Police Consultative Group
Haringey 6th Form
Haringey Involve
Haringey Irish Pensioners – HIP organise outings and tea dances, membership of 522.
HAGA
HAVCO
Metropolitan Housing Trust
Central & Cecil HA
NHS Primary Care Trust
Young Tickers Cardiac Support Group
Alzheimer's Group – Singing for the Brain: The group use Choral singing and gentle exercise
to improve physical and mental wellbeing. There are 30 structured sessions each year. They
aim to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of 20 people with dementia. 20 carers
also benefit.
Lupus Group
Somerset Gardens Volunteers Cancer group
Homes for Haringey
St John’s Deaf Association
HCPT
London Brokerage Network
Culture, community, faith groups and sport:
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Edmonton Rangers Youth FC
The National Brokerage Network
Boro Youth FC
North London Shamrocks GAA Club
Police Boxing Club
Eagles Boxing Club
Driving Instructors School – Adirsoh
Emerald United Club Monserrat: Bring the Monserrat community together for social and
cultural activities.
Global School of Ministry - Bible Club
Vale School
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (CCE)
Feith and Cheoil Irish Music group – Teach Irish music on a variety of instruments. Runs a
weekly after school club for up to 50 young people aged between 7 to 21 years.
Irish Step Dancing groups – Trainor, Deegan, Brennan, Morrin and Maguire. The Trainor
school teach Irish step dancing mainly to children (50). Many children go on to compete in
competitions. This year they had a contestant who came 2nd in the World Championships at
under 11.
Satellite Consortium
Nri
St Vincent and Grenadines Association
Barbados Association
St Ignatius Homeless group
White Hart Lane Muslim Group
MTC Learning
Eritrean Community in UK
Trinidad & Guyana Music Connection
Honkytonk American Line Dancing Club
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Rabbit George rescued and returned to his owner with the help of Fran and Tony
Patrick O’Doherty showing Arts and Crafts work to Chair Betty Doocey
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How to find us:
White Hart Lane
Tube: Wood Green/ Seven Sisters
Buses: W3, 149, 259, 279, 329
General Management Committee
Honorary Officers
Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
Social Secretary
Membership Secretary
Ordinary Officer
Bill Aulsberry
Tom McManus
Moira Terrill
Betty Doocey
Pat Kelly
Bernie McGowan
Alison Doocey
Mary Prendergast
Annie Whyte
Collette Maguire
Pete G. Ravenor
User Group Representatives
Mary Burke
Pat Walsh
Danielle Taylor
Joanne Murray
Associate Members
Hyacinth O’Garro
Sylvan Osborne
Council Reps
Cllr Sheila Peacock
Cllr Kaushika Amin
Jim Shepley
Nicky Price
Tom McManus
Structure
Haringey Irish Cultural &
Haringey Irish Centre
Community Centre
Trading Co Ltd
Company Limited by
A subsidiary Company
guarantee with Charitable status
limited by guarantee
Registered No 2134568
Registered No 2912148
Charity No 1003015
Vat No 645459413
Pretoria Road, Tottenham, London N17 8DX Tel 020 8885 3490; Fax 020 8801 4839
Email: haringey-irish@btconnect.com; www: haringey-irish.com
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