Welcome to our August newsletter
July was a wonderful month at BIAS as we celebrated the launch of our new book, Scéalta: Our Stories.
It was also another busy month across our services, with summer outings, live music and community events bringing people together, while our Advice Team continued supporting 186 people across Brent and Haringey.
Here’s a look back at everything that’s been happening across BIAS over the past month.
Scéalta: Our Stories
One of the highlights of July was the launch of Scéalta – Our Stories, our oral history project celebrating the experiences of Irish people who made Brent their home in the 1950s, 60s and 70s.
Written and designed in-house by the BIAS team, with the support of our dedicated volunteers, Scéalta – Our Stories brings together the memories, photographs and experiences shared by members of Brent’s Irish community, helping to preserve an important part of our local history for future generations.
The launch afternoon at the Railway Club was a wonderful celebration of the project. Guests watched the Scéalta film, explored a trunk filled with memorabilia from years gone by, and enjoyed live music from a traditional Irish band, along with a fantastic performance by Sean from the Murchú-Duiginn School of Irish Dancing. With plenty of singing, dancing and reminiscing throughout the afternoon, it was a wonderful way to celebrate the stories and heritage of Brent’s Irish community.
If you haven’t already, you can watch the film, read the book online or download your free digital copy from our website here.
Volunteer Project Update
As part of our Volunteer Project, volunteers and members of our community enjoyed a wonderful trip to the Kiln Cinema for a private screening of the much-loved Irish classic The Quiet Man. With refreshments, good company and the chance to catch up over tea and coffee afterwards, it was a fantastic afternoon that brought everyone together.
We’d also like to thank our volunteers for the part they played in bringing Scéalta – Our Stories to life. From sharing photographs and personal memories to helping pull the project together, your support helped make the project such a success.
A huge thank you to all our volunteers for everything you’ve contributed over the past year. Whether you’ve supported our weekly clubs, events or special projects, your time is really appreciated.
We hope you enjoy a well-deserved summer break, and we look forward to welcoming you back in September.
Interested in volunteering?
We’d love to hear from you. Call our Volunteer Manager, Marie, on 0208 459 6655 (choose option 2) or email volunteers@biasbrent.co.uk to find out more.
Brent Club Highlights
What a fantastic way to round off our summer programme!
Our final club at the Railway Club was one to remember as we welcomed Two in a Chord, who had members on the dance floor from start to finish. They were a huge hit, and we’re delighted they’ll be returning soon.
We were also pleased to welcome the wonderful Glenn Flynn, who travelled over from Ireland to entertain our members with another fantastic afternoon of music. The good news is he’ll be back again in October! Of course, one of the biggest highlights of the summer was our annual trip to Margate. Members enjoyed a brilliant day by the seaside, and judging by the videos and photos, we certainly kept the locals entertained! Maybe we’ll have to start charging them admission next time!
When we return in September, we’ve got plenty to look forward to, including Brent’s Got Talent, visits from a podiatrist and our local Fire Station, plus lots more entertainment as we head towards Christmas.
Our Brent clubs return on Thursday 3rd September at the Railway Club with the fantastic Anton, followed by our Dollis Hill club on Tuesday 8th September, where we’ll be welcoming Heidi.
Don’t forget to come and say hello to us at the BIAS stall at the London Irish Vintage Rally on Sunday 6th September. We’d love to see you there.
Haringey Club Update
The sunshine was certainly with us this month as we enjoyed another fantastic few weeks across our Haringey clubs.
Members enjoyed live music at both clubs, with Glenn Flynn entertaining everyone at our Wednesday club in Tottenham and Declan Gaynor bringing our final Friday club before the August break to life. There was plenty of singing, dancing, laughter and, of course, a couple of lively rounds of the Siege of Ennis!
We also rounded off the month with our annual coach trip to Whitstable, giving members the chance to enjoy a relaxing day by the seaside before taking a well-earned summer break.
We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back in September. Our Tottenham club returns on Wednesday 2 September, followed by Hornsey Vale on Friday 4th September.
Dates for your diary
• Friday 11th September: Club and live music from Finbar Black
• Wednesday 16th September: Club and live music from Anton
We can’t wait to see everyone back after the summer break.
Advice Team Update
July has been another incredibly busy month for our Advice Team. Alongside extensive staff training to ensure we continue providing the best possible support, we were proud to help 186 clients across Brent and Haringey with a wide range of advice and welfare issues.
Here are a few important updates that may be helpful to you or someone you know:
Spotting and Avoiding Loan Sharks
Our team recently completed specialist training on the growing threat of illegal money lenders, often known as loan sharks. We can help you recognise the warning signs, avoid dangerous debt traps and support anyone who may already have been affected.
If you or someone you know needs help, please don’t suffer in silence. Our team offers completely confidential advice and can safely connect you with the right organisations for further support.
Instant Online Access to Benefit Award Letters
You can now view and download proof of your benefit entitlement online, including details of your award amount and how long your claim will last. This is particularly useful for people receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) who want to check whether their award has been extended. Please note this service does not currently include Universal Credit.
Winter Fuel Payment Update
Winter Fuel Payments will continue to be paid automatically to pensioners, but households with a taxable income of more than £35,000 that do not receive means-tested benefits will have the payment recovered through the tax system.
If you would prefer not to receive the payment, you can opt out by 20 September 2026 by calling the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 0800 731 0160. If you have questions about your tax position, independent advice is available from TaxAid.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re worried about your income, benefits or any issue affecting your wellbeing, please don’t struggle alone.
Our friendly Advice Team is here to provide free, confidential support. We can help you check your benefit entitlement, maximise your income and explore grants and other financial support that may be available.
Call: 0208 459 6655
Email: welfare@biasbrent.co.uk
Thank you
As our clubs take a short break for the summer, we’d like to wish everyone a lovely August.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of another busy month at BIAS, whether you’ve attended a club, volunteered, shared your story or supported us in any other way.
We hope you enjoy the rest of the summer, and we look forward to seeing you all again when our clubs return in September.