Autumn has been a lively and rewarding season across BIAS, with plenty happening in both Brent and Haringey! As we move towards the end of the year, here’s a look back at some of the moments and activities over the past month.
Mental Health First Aid Training
We kicked off the month by hosting a Mental Health First Aid workshop for all of our volunteers. Gathered in our office, we spent the afternoon exploring key topics around mental health, discussing common conditions and engaging in meaningful conversations about how to support others. It was a valuable afternoon and a great opportunity for volunteers to connect and share experiences.
Autumn Outings
Our Hornsey Active Ageing Club headed out on a trip to the Museum of the Home in Hoxton. The group spent the day exploring the museum’s rooms from the past, and were given a tour of the newer rooms, including the 1950s Irish room, by Museum of the Home curator Louis Platman. David P. Kelly, who had donated various items belonging to his parents, who had moved to London in that time, also spoke to our group about how the room came to the Museum of the Home. The Sacred Heart on the wall and the original gas meter in the bathroom particularly resonated with the group and brought up memories and stories from this time. It was a very enjoyable trip and many of us will be returning to the exhibition with friends or family.
Halloween Fun in Brent & Haringey
As Ireland is the birthplace of Halloween, it’s no surprise that our Active Ageing Clubs in Brent and Haringey enjoyed getting into the spirit! With live music, spooky treats and amazing costumes, the occasion brought a great mix of fun and good humour across the clubs!
Caritas Jubilee Award
A highlight this autumn was watching Colum Moloney receive the Caritas Jubilee Award on behalf of BIAS’s co-founders. The award recognised their long-standing service to the Irish community and beyond. A well-earned moment of acknowledgement for the people who have shaped BIAS from the very beginning.
Photo credit: Diocese of Westminster
Ongoing Support & The Volunteer Project
Alongside our seasonal events, our core services continued as usual throughout autumn.
Our advice team continued to run weekly drop-in clinics, offering support with welfare benefits, housing and many other issues. Our drop-in clinics remain a key part of what we do, giving people a reliable place to get practical help when needed.
Our Volunteer Project also continued to grow, with regular befriending visits taking place across the borough. Our volunteers remain dedicated to supporting older, isolated individuals in our community, offering companionship, conversation and a friendly face week after week!
We would like to express our sincere thanks to The National Lottery for their continued support — ensuring that services like our Volunteer Project can thrive.
Looking Ahead!
As we move towards December, we’re gearing up for a festive finish to the year! Volunteers can look forward to a wreath-making workshop, mulled wine and mince pies at our clubs, and of course, our annual BIAS-wide Christmas party!
To everyone who has volunteered, supported, donated or simply turned up with a smile – go raibh maith agat. You make BIAS the warm, welcoming community it is. We can’t wait to step into the festive season and New Year with all of you!