Ms Jennie McShannon:

It is very important that we approach different groups in different ways. Places such as the London Irish Centre and the Irish Centre Birmingham aim to engage people culturally and use social media and networks. Communities used to engage based on from where members had come and to where they had moved - I refer to societies such as the Leeds Mayo society and the London Leitrim society. Now as people are more likely to meet based on their career choices, it is very important that Irish community support services engage with business and arts networks. It may sound cheesy, but things like Father Ted events attract people to Irish centres because these centres are often perceived as serving only the vulnerable and the old. If we get people through the doors, we can find ways for them to engage and feel culturally comfortable in order that they feel at home and do not need to explain themselves. We want them to know that these services are available in order that they can avail of them if mental health difficulties arise such as anxiety and suicidal ideation. Mind Yourself has organised a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, LGBT, group and Irish film and dance classes with a modern twist.

A committee member raised the issue of support from the British Government and this is a difficult one for us. In 2008 there was a change in government policy on funding ethnically-specific services and prior to that year it was easier for Irish organisations and organisations working with ethnic minority groups in Britain to access funding. The move away from this policy has been quite definite; therefore, we try to encourage our member organisations which are independent of us but work with us to seek local authority funding and grants for specific services. Members will know that funding is limited; therefore, there is an over-reliance on the emigrant support programme. A major concern is that when the British authorities consider the issue of immigration, they tend not to see Irish people as immigrants. We have campaigned, lobbied and raised awareness, in tandem with local groups, to get funding, but Irish groups are often the last to get it and the first to lose it.