WAYS WE HELP
The Focus of Our Efforts
Hardship Grants
The Benevolent Society of St Patrick distributes money by way of small grants to Irish people in London who are in need. These grants range from £50 to £500.
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Who is eligible for a grant?
Grants are made to Irish persons and persons of Irish descent who are in need and resident in Greater London. The purpose of the grant scheme is to relieve financial hardship. If an applicant is not on a means-tested benefit, they must demonstrate that they are otherwise on a low income and are without the means to support their needs with savings or investments.
Funds available to the Society are limited and can only be awarded to those in most need, and as the resources of the Society allow. It is generally expected that the applicant is unable to have their needs met from another source, such as a local welfare scheme.
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Who to contact?
If you live in London north of the Thames, or know of someone in need who lives north of the Thames, please email the London Irish Centre at informationandadvice@londonirishcentre.org.
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If you live in London south of the Thames, or know of someone in need who lives south of the Thames - whether they are pensioners or not - please email the Southwark Irish Pensioners Project at info@irishinlondon.org.
The London Irish Centre (LIC) has served the Irish community in London since it was first established in 1954 and continues to offer a range of services to people within the Irish community.
The LIC aims to empower and enrich lives through the Irish community and culture, and has a keen focused on helping those most vulnerable in society. www.londonirishcentre.org
Southwark Irish Pensioners Project (SIPP) provide a lifeline to hundreds of elderly, vulnerable and isolated Irish people in Southwark – one of the most deprived boroughs in London. For the past 19 years they have been helping generations of Irish people who emigrated to Britain in the 50’s and 60’s, and others, to get the essential support they need to enjoy a comfortable and decent life.​www.irishinlondon.org/
“This grant is a lifeline to many."
"A victim of domestic abuse... her husband does not provide any support to her or the children...."
“He could not afford the birth certificate he needed to access social welfare... he was very emotional when it arrived.”
Recent Institutional Supporters
The London Borough of Southwark
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The Gough Charitable Trust
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Community Foundation Ireland
Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme
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St Joseph's Charity
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The Worshipful Company of Drapers
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