The Irish Network Stevenage
The Irish Network is a non-profit making organisation, run by a team of volunteers, which work for charitable aims. Through our own efforts, we raise funds to support our activities.Traditionally the Irish population has been the largest minority group in Stevenage, many who first settled in Stevenage to build the infrastructure of the town as a new development and work in local industry. Our Elders and their Carers are the generation of Irish migrants who arrived in the UK at a time of great social upheaval.
The Irish Network Stevenage was formed in late 2007, following a need that was identified by a group of interested people who recognised that the level of support needed by an aging Irish population was growing and that a wider network of help was required to meet the cultural needs of Irish residents within Stevenage.
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Background
Up until the introduction of the Irish Network, there was no provision in Stevenage, specifically dedicated to meeting the needs of the Irish Community as a BME group. In early 2007 a few voluntary active Irish people, got together to discuss how to address a gap in provision for the Irish community, from this a series of public meetings were held and the idea for developing a project that would look at the specific needs of the Irish community was born.
Attendance at the initially meetings grew and eventually a project steering group was set up and tasked with looking at the development of the Irish Network under the guidance of the full members group.
To date the Irish Network has an extensive list of Elders who are mostly over the age of 70. Our research has shown that they are in need of differing levels of support.Younger members make up an additional database of people, who largely work to develop the Network and look after the needs of our Elders. Interest in the work of the Irish Network Stevenage, is growing from strength to strength and the real demand for our service is becoming ever apparent.
We are particularly interested in encouraging first, second and third generation Irish to become involved in the formation of the project. It is envisaged that we will form an organisation that will be open to every one in the town. It will be non sectarian and non-politically aligned. We wish to promote and share our culture with that of others in Stevenage.
The Network has four key themes
The well-being of Elderly Irish
Cultural interests, Irish language and education
Preserving the heritage of Irish history in Stevenage
Promoting Gaelic Games/Sport within Schools
