London Irish Centre
2019 IMPACT REPORT Community and Culture | Comhluadar agus CultĂşr 1
WELCOME FÁILTE 2019 at the London Irish Centre (LIC) has been the busiest year in my memory and I am delighted to present our first Annual Impact Report which will give you an understanding of the quantity, quality and impact of the work carried out. Since 2017, in partnership with Aleron (an Impact Management consultancy), we have been working to develop a robust outcomes management framework to span across the whole organisation, to define our target outcomes, improve their measurement and provide us with a common understanding of what ‘good’ looks like. We began by developing a ‘Theory of Change’ (TOC), see Page 4. The TOC creates a framework to understand how we can deliver impact. It helped us to map our activities, to work out the outcome of these activities and act as a reference when we consider 2
a new project. We then built a set of tools to measure these outputs and outcomes and the resulting data can be found from Page 3 onwards. It has been an exciting journey and a huge learning curve for the team, and the journey is by no means at the end. Impact remains a key strategic focus area and we plan to upgrade our Community Services CRM as well as our ticketing software with the long term aim of producing real time reporting on a new LIC website. We are at the beginning of an ambitious plan to reimagine, redevelop and reposition the LIC as a world class community and cultural centre. Being able to demonstrate the changing needs of the community and how we respond to these will be critical in helping us plan the new LIC and to obtain the funding to achieve this.
Page 15 contains details of our key supporters and the LIC is very grateful for all of the support received - in particular the Irish Government`s Emigrant Support Programme which accounts for 32% of our income. We would also like to thank the Trusts and Foundations who fund us, as well as the many individual and corporate donors. A final thanks to our pro-bono donors, our venue manager Sliced Events, our 150+ volunteers including Chair Mike O` Connor and our Board of Trustees and of course our hard working and highly professional staff of 26. On a personal note I would like to wish Ellen Ryan, my successor as CEO, best wishes and welcome our new Chair Rosaleen Blair, CBE. I look forward to remaining involved with the LIC as part of the team delivering the redevelopment project.
On behalf of the team go raibh míle, míle maith agat. Seán Kennedy, CEO (2019)
“It has been a great year for the charity and I am delighted to have been part of so many major events. I am looking forward to helping the LIC promote Irish culture as well the community services and moving forward the exciting plans for the redevelopment of the Centre.” DERMOT O` LEARY, Patron
“I love what the London Irish Centre does in terms of being at the heart of championing Irish community and culture in London. We had an amazing concert back in 2018 and I can`t wait to return.” ED SHEERAN, Patron
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The London Irish Centre has been the Irish Heart of London for over 65 years with a mission to empower and enrich lives through Irish Community and Culture. We are committed to demonstrating the impact of this mission and this report covers our work across four key service areas as well as the Centre: - Advice & Outreach - Wellbeing - Culture - Community
ADVICE & OUTREACH Through these sessions we provided 2,111 clients with a range of advice across areas including crisis, housing, benefits, legal, financial and identity.
CULTURE Our culture team expanded the range of activities and community support provided.
44
community groups hosted
4,341 face to face sessions
47.6%
increase in our clients’ Financial Security
18,647 329 attendees at
events over the year
£31.4k
of discounted space provided to groups
WELLBEING
6,257
Hot meals served Over the course of the year we have offered our clients more than 1000 different health, social and nutrition events to address social isolation and loneliness.
COMMUNITY Our values are at the heart of the Centre and inspire us to be welcoming; compassionate; inclusive; creative; communitycentred and sustainable.
17%
Increase in our Clients’ Social Stability
161 1047
volunteers contributed days
82,000
visitors to the Centre 3
THEORY OF CHANGE
THEORY OF CHANGE Our Theory of Change is a framework to define our impact. It allows us to understand how our services make individual contributions that together deliver long-term overall change to our clients and customers.
SERVICES
CULTURE
EVENTS
LIBRARY ONLINE CULTURE
VOLUNTEER
EDUCATION
OUTPUT (What we do) Provide work and a performance platform for Irish artists Programme a wide variety of high quality cultural events, appealing to different audiences Provide library and other resources for learning and cultural exploration Provide community space to facilitate Irish cultural workshops and activities Provide digital platform to connect Irish online audiences and reach the broader community Programme a wide variety of courses in facets of Irish culture
COMMUNITY & CARE
OUTCOMES (What we aim to achieve)
Support the work of Irish cultural partners Further new education, learning and skills in Irish culture
Provide opportunities for volunteers to contribute to the work and governance of the charity across different roles Enhance mental wellbeing
ADVICE & OUTREACH
BEFRIENDING
Facilitate informed choices to relevant local services, both in the UK and Ireland
WELLBEING
Reduce social isolation and loneliness
Provide liaison support with housing and healthcare systems
Prevent homelessness and ensure access to appropriate housing
Provide in-home support and opportunities for social connection
Maximise financial position
Provide home-cooked, nutritious meals and facilitate on-site activities Co-produce and develop acitivity-based local social groups Organise group trips and holidays
IMPACT (Long-term overall change)
Build awareness and foster appreciation of Irish culture and heritage in London
Foster connection to Irish community VOLUNTEERING
Assist individuals to apply for and access entitlements and correct documentation
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It is also an integral part of our organisational impact measurement and management process helping us to make strategic decisions and develop longer term planning.
Optimise physical health Support independence and enhance quality of life
EMPOWERING AND ENRICHING LIVES THROUGH IRISH COMMUNITY AND CULTURE
ADVICE & OUTREACH
ADVICE & OUTREACH Our Advice and Outreach team operate from Camden, Kilburn, West London, and South London. In 2019 we worked with clients from each of the 32 London Boroughs as well as 5 adjoining counties and almost every county on the island of Ireland.
Our Impact
4,341
2,111
client sessions
people helped in crisis
£1.58m
£23,805
13%
yearly increase in client sessions
97
assisted at Benefit Tribunals
On entry to our service each client completes an in depth ‘Common Assessment Form’ which gathers information on their housing, financial and social stability in order to benchmark and assess future progress. In the last year we have seen significant improvement in our clients’ lives: How connected do you feel to the Irish Community in London?
recovered for clients
Avg initial value 2.7 Avg final value 3.4
in crisis grants distributed
472
helped with financial issues
175
given emergency food and clothes
Avg initial value 2.3
How do you feel about your housing situation?
Avg final value 2.7 Avg initial value 1.7
How satisfied are you with your financial situation?
2,069
Avg final value 2.4 Avg initial value 2.2
How satisfied are you with your physical health?
Avg final value 3.3 0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
assisted with passport/birth cert issues
401
supported with housing issues
52
supported with End of Life arrangements
24
Shelter housing sessions 5
ADVICE & OUTREACH
Gary & Saoirse’s Story Gary* and Saoirse*, both aged 25, attended our drop-in service when Saoirse was approximately 7 months pregnant. They were struggling financially as Gary had recently lost his job. Our advice worker told them about Universal Credit (UC) and where they could claim it. When a claim was made they had to wait for 6 weeks before getting their first payment. Our advice worker arranged
Michael’s Story Michael* 43, approached the service seeking assistance with housing. Brent Council had taken steps to evict him after his partner had committed murder. As his partner was the main tenant Michael was unfortunately not considered for taking over the tenancy. Michael has a number of serious health conditions and had expressed his concerns about having to spend a further 10 years moving from hostel to hostel and living in temporary accommodation. Michael spoke with his sister who was herself moving home to Ireland. He agreed that it was his only option, but he was concerned about re-engaging with drug and alcohol services in Dublin. Our advice worker liaised with medical services in Ireland and had Michael’s medical notes transferred to the relevant clinic. 6
for assistance with food vouchers and bus tickets until they received their first UC payment. When Saoirse gave birth to a baby boy, our advice worker provided a grant through the Irish Youth Foundation for some household goods and baby items. Saoirse sent through the below email: “Thank you so much, this will help us a lot. Myself, Gary and baby Matthew are extremely grateful. We appreciate everything you have done. We will bring Matthew up to visit when we sort everything out.”
Our advice worker downloaded the residency paperwork and benefit claims forms and liaised on behalf of Michael with the relevant people in Ireland. Michael and our Advice worker also made a plan and a list of things Michael needed to do when he returned to Ireland. Our advice worker closed his bank account, contacted the DWP and cancelled his ESA payments and received relevant supporting letters to pass to the Irish Authorities. Michael moved back to Dublin December 2019 and sent a text “everything is great thanks to the support of the LIC”. Michael also said that he was receiving the most amazing care and support as a result of our contact with the organisations involved.
* Names and photos have been changed in each of these stories to protect person’s identities.
WELLBEING
WELLBEING AT LIC The Wellbeing service was started in 1988 to help reduce isolation and Reducing Isolation loneliness in elderly people, which is a particularly acute problem in the Helping me feel more Irish community and to help reduce isolation and loneliness in elderly people. connected and less lonely The service aims to improve emotional and social wellbeing by bringing clients together at lunch clubs, social clubs, events, trips and activities.
No Impact Positive or Negative Positive Impact Negative Impact
Helping me make new friends
Our Impact
Helping me maintain friendships 0
28%
increase in hot meals on 2018 In 2019 we served 6,257 hot meals, essential for nutrition but equally important as an opportunity for isolated elderly people to socialise.
13,852
attendences at our wellbeing events In 2019 there were 13,852 attendences at our wellbeing events, which included lunch clubs, fitness sessions and others, providing our clients with vital emotional and social support.
10
20
30
379
fitness events held
Our older clients take part in a range of fitness activities from chair-based yoga to table tennis to kayaking.
40
50
60
70
80
258
Clients supported to seek health Our clients are assisted to link up with health care providers through our Health Navigator as well as referrals to GPs and other professionals.
7
WELLBEING
Chris’ Story Chris* is a 70 year old man from Louth and a regular attendee many years. He has four adoptive children and no longer has contact with his estranged wife. Until recently, he was coming to the Lunch Club 3 times a week and attending activities such as health promotion talks, film clubs and karaoke. When Chris stopped coming we immediately became concerned. Chris informed us on the phone that he was fine, recovering from a cold and hoped to be back soon. However, our Wellbeing Officer carried out a home visit, delivering a lovely hot meal at the same time. Chris was very grateful, for both the
Violet’s Story Violet* is an 88 year old client from Westmeath who was referred to us from Age UK shortly after her husband passed away. She was feeling lonely and isolated and her daughter, who lives abroad, felt she would benefit from connecting with the local community. Age UK referred her to the LIC and accompanied her to a ‘Get Moving’ exercise class which she loved. She had been advised to stay active after her knee replacement 2 years ago and was initially very diligent but once her husband passed away she lost motivation. She now loves the group exercises, stays for lunch and attends weekly. 8
visit and the meal. He had been assuring us his neighbour was delivering food but it was obvious he wasn`t eating properly. Chris said that he was feeling depressed and suffering from ‘old age’. Although he missed the Lunch Club he was unsure if he was able to go back. We contacted social services who are assessing him for a care package to offer support at home. He has also been referred to the LIC’s Befriending Service for home visits as he is no longer able to get out like before. Chris said – “The care and support has been a lifesaver and I feel so grateful there is still someone there for me”.
Violet also went on the ‘Turkey and Tinsel’ weekend in Eastbourne in November. The Wellbeing Officer who was leading the trip noticed she was disorientated and acting out of character. We accompanied her to the Walk-in centre in Eastbourne, where she was diagnosed with an infection. She was very grateful for the care and support she received saying – “Despite not being in the best of health I had a fantastic weekend. I could have not been better cared for and I am already looking forward to the next trip with all my new friends!”
* Names and photos have been changed in each of these stories to protect person’s identities.
CULTURE
CULTURE AT LIC Culture includes an extensive range of activities – gigs, events, comedy, exhibitions, language, education, playgroups, theatre, spoken word and library services hosted at the LIC as well as co-promoted at events in London. The Culture Team also manage the Community Engagement Programme (CEP) which supports Irish and other organisations by providing free and subsidised space, marketing and advice. The O’Donovan Library has the largest collection of Irish books to be found outside of Ireland and had 752 visitors this year.
Our Impact
18,647 attended
329 events
223
artists performed
£31,380
of discounted space to Community Groups
£3,180
of marketing support to Community Groups
474
Irish language students, a 207% increase on 2017
752
visited the O’Donovan Library to research, read, learn & enjoy
7,200
Irish Books in O’Donovan Library 9
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY The Irish Heart of London serving the Irish, local and London communities and a home for all things Irish in London. We work in partnership and collaboration with dozens of community and cultural organisation – in 2019 we worked with over 80. We also run five social clubs as well as providing outreach and befriending throughout London. Through our online networks, our events programme, our volunteering and of course our Community Centre all are welcome to participate.
Our Impact
63,881
connected to our social media
10
92,105
website visitors
214
Social groups held
161
active volunteers
1047
days of volunteering
34
group and individual befriending relationships
22
family play groups
THE CENTRE
THE CENTRE Visitors to the London Irish Centre
Since it opened its doors on 27th September 1955 the Centre has welcomed hundreds of thousands.
The number of people using the Centre continues to grow as we increase the range of services, events and facilities.
The iconic Centre is a significant employment hub with 70 staff based here across 10 different community organisations. As an Event and Conference venue we host weddings, parties, rehearsals, events and conferences - with the charity benefitting each time.
In partnership with Andy, David and the Sliced Events team we welcomed 82,000 visitors to the Centre, a 28% increase from 2017.
Annual Visitors to the London Irish Centre 2017-2019
Number of individuals using the Centre
80K
82,000
70K 60K
1,355
69,000
events held from weddings to festivals
2018
staff work here an increase of 23% on 2017
64,000
ÂŁ701K
generated by the building for the charity
51
conferences held in 2019
6
neighbourhood groups given free space
50K 40K 30K
70
20K 10K 0K
2017
2019
10
Organisations an increase of 43% on 2017
26
LIC staff work here an increase of 44% on 2017
3
Community Choirs based here 11
NEW VISION FOR LIC THE CENTRE
NEW VISION FOR THE LONDON IRISH CENTRE The London Irish Centre is the Irish Heart of London For millions of people over the past 65 years the Centre has been both a haven and a beacon, bringing a taste of Irish community and culture to this global city. Today, the London Irish Centre continues to support those in most need as well as showcasing the very best of Irish culture in all its diversity. However, the iconic Centre is at a critical point in its history. Yearly running costs for the ageing Centre total hundreds of thousands of pounds. Simply keeping services open is an existential challenge and our ability to meet the increasing needs of our clients is severely compromised by accessibility issues and old, decaying facilities. We have exhausted the building’s potential to generate the income required to support our services, it is no longer fit for purpose. Our vision is not driven by the inadequacy of what we do now, but the potential of what we can do in the future.
THE IRISH HEART OF LONDON – BE PROUD OF IT, BE PART OF IT 12
In 2023 a reimagined Centre will deliver: • For the vulnerable, forgotten and isolated – High quality wellbeing, advice, outreach and befriending services in the best facilities • For audiences, artists and students – World-class cultural, recreational and educational spaces and resources • For visitors - The Story of the Irish in London will celebrate the story and contribution of the Irish to this wonderful city and inspire other, more recently arrived ethnic groups • For London and local communities – Beautiful new event, meeting and social spaces in which to gather, connect and strengthen community ties • For the Charity – Financial sustainability for the next 65 years through improved income generation as a social enterprise model
For 65 years the London Irish Centre has welcomed, supported, cared for and connected – it has been the Irish Heart of London. But now the Irish Heart needs a New Home – we invite you to join us on this journey and make this vision a reality. For further information contact Sean Kennedy, seankennedy@londonirishcentre.org or Rosaleen Blair, chair@londonirishcentre.org The London Irish Centre would like to express our gratitude to the Irish Government for their £1m project foundation grant, through the Departments of Foreign Affairs & Trade, and Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht.
NEW VISION FOR LIC WORLD CLASS AUDITORIUM
COMMUNITY KITCHEN
FULLY ACCESSIBLE CENTRAL CORE
COLUMN OF LIGHT
NATURE TERRACE
EDUCATION HUB
STORY OF THE IRISH NEW CAFÉ-BAR LIBRARY/ EXHIBITIONS
CYCLE AREA
THERAPY GARDEN
ADVICE HUB
REINSTATED HISTORIC ENTRANCE
WELLBEING HUB
13
SUMMARY STATS
SUMMARY STATS ADVICE & OUTREACH CRISIS & SUPPORT
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
HOUSING
LEGAL
IDENTITY
TOTAL 2019
WELLBEING
Number helped in crisis
2,111
HEALTH & NUTRITION
Hot meals served to vulnerable clients
6,257
Client advice sessions
4,341
Health sessions and workshops
146
Number of outreach visits
543
Clients supported to seek health advice
258
End of Life Arrangements
52
Fitness Events Held
379
Value of crisis grants handed out
£23,805
Social Groups held
214
Value of money recovered for clients
£1,583,354
External events
22
Number of debt issues (inc debt write off/payment plans and advice)
110
CULTURE, ARTS & EDUCATION
Financial Advocacy and Health Checks
472
EVENTS
Culture event attendees
18,647
Emergency Food and Clothing
175
Total number of events
329
Housing Advice
120
Number of artists who performed
223
Housing Advocacy
106
EDUCATION
Irish class participants
474
Repairs and Improvements
33
LIBRARY
Number of library visitors
752
Housing Adaptions
24
COMMUNITY
Housing Safety Checks
4
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteers throughout the year
161
Shelter Housing Sessions
24
Volunteering days
1,047
Number of tribunals (mandatory recs, attendences, appeal requests)
97
Number of digital views
1,815,509
Legal Sessions held
7
Number connected to us
63,881
Numbers Helped with Legal Issues (non-tribunal)
40
Value of discounted space to community organisations
£31,380
Birth certificates applied for
116
Value of marketing support provided
£3,180
Passport enquiries answered
1,953
THE CENTRE
Photobooth usage
296
EVENTS
Visitors to the LIC
82,000
Total Number of events
1,355
Organisations based at the LIC
10
Numbers working at the Centre
70
LIC Staff
26
SOCIAL
SOCIAL MEDIA FINANCIAL SUPPORT
AN EMPLOYMENT HUB
14
TOTAL 2019
OUR SUPPORTERS
OUR SUPPORTERS As a charity we are fortunate to own the iconic London Irish Centre which provides significant building and trading income. However each year we have to raise close to £1m every year to deliver a huge range of programmes, projects and activities. We do this through a vast mix of grants, donations, fundraising, sponsorship and pro-bono service provision. We can’t name everyone who assists us but we are hugely grateful for your generosity and the help of the major supporters listed. You allow us to fund the services to create the outcomes which deliver an impact on tens of thousands of clients and customers. We would like to thank Ministers Madigan and Cannon for their very generous support and commitment to the Centre, pictured above.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh.
15
@londonirishcentre
@londonirishcentre @LDNIrishcentre
www.londonirishcentre.org www.licfuture.org
50-52 Camden Sq, London NW1 9XB E: info@londonirishcentre.org T: 020 7916 2222 Registered Charity No. 1149787. Company No. 8221421.
THE IRISH HEART OF LONDON Community and Culture | Comhluadar agus CultĂşr 16