As we settle into spring, BIAS is pleased to share that it has been another busy and uplifting month across our Brent and Haringey communities. From Easter celebrations and live music at our clubs to welcoming a new team member and sharing important welfare updates, April has been full of community spirit, support and connection. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to over the past month.
Haringey & Brent Clubs!
We had a shorter month in April at our Haringey clubs, taking a little time off to mark the Easter holidays. But that didn’t stop us from celebrating Easter at both our clubs, with hot cross buns and even a quick Easter Egg hunt at Tottenham Hale!
After returning from our break, we celebrated our first birthday at our Friday Hornsey Vale club, with live music from Finbar Black. Thanks to Sean O’Donovan for bringing us a delicious chocolate cake and to all of our members for their support. We also had live music from Paul Murray at our Tottenham Hale club to end the month on a high! We are looking forward to May, when we will have Heidi McCafferty at our Friday club on the 15th, with more events to be confirmed! Keep on eye on BIAS BRENT Facebook for more updates.
Our Brent Clubs have also been buzzing over Easter with live music from Anton at our Cricklewood club on Thursday 23rd April, with more exciting things coming up, including AJ White at Dollis Hill on Tuesday 5th May, Paul Murray at the Railway on 21st May and a Health and Wellbeing Day at Dollis Hill on May 26th.
All of our clubs are made possible because of our wonderful volunteers. If you’re interested in volunteering and contributing to the community, please do get in touch — we would love to have you!
Welcome!
This month, we were delighted to welcome Emma Harte to the BIAS team – fáilte romhat! Emma is joining BIAS as our new Fundraising and Communications Manager.
Emma has over 15 years’ experience working across communications and fundraising, with over 10 years in the voluntary sector. At BIAS, Emma leads on raising funds and shaping how the organisation shares its work and impact. Growing up within the Irish community in Brent and Haringey, Emma has a strong connection to the people BIAS supports. In her own time, she runs art clubs, enjoys Ceili classes and is involved in her local school PTA.
Important Welfare Updates for 2026!
We want to ensure everyone in the Irish community across Brent and Haringey receives their full state benefit entitlements. Most benefits increased by an average of 3.8% from 1st April. Here are some recent changes:
Universal Credit
- Standard rate increased by 6.2%
- Some families with three or more children may now qualify for an additional child element
- If a child leaves full-time education, report it on your journal immediately to avoid overpayments
PIP Assessment Changes
- More assessments will take place in person
- Review periods are getting longer, usually 3–5 years
- PIP or Attendance Allowance awards can often unlock extra support and payments
Philomena’s Law: Mother and Baby Home Compensation
From May 2026, compensation payments for survivors of Irish Mother and Baby Homes will not count as savings or affect means-tested benefits. If concerns about benefits stopped you from applying, our team can help.
Talk to Us!
Don’t feel you have to navigate your state benefit forms alone. Whether you need a quick chat about your entitlement or help with a complex application, the advice team are here to support you.
Visit Us: drop into any of our advice sessions in Brent or Haringey (details here)
Call Us: 0208 459 6655
Email:Â welfare@biasbrent.co.uk
Coffee Morning
We are still running our monthly coffee mornings! Our next one will take place on the second Monday of the month, Monday 11th May, from 10am until noon at the BIAS office. We hope to see you there!
