About us
A new, community-led organisation for older Irish people across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Launch is planned for autumn to winter 2026.
Why we’re doing this
Many Irish people moved to Nottingham and Derby in the decades after the war. They worked in nursing, building, factories and transport, raised families, and made a life here. Now in their sixties and older, some see less of the people and places that kept them connected.
We want to make it easy to find that company again: a cup of tea, a familiar accent, a few songs, and someone who can help with the everyday things.
Sheila Horan, our founding organiser, has run a charity before. She’s setting the organisation up with a small group of volunteers, and the plan is to grow carefully: a few things done well, then more as trustees and volunteers join.
You don't need to be born in Ireland. Irish heritage, an Irish spouse, or simply a love of the community is welcome.
How we’re starting
Listening first
We're talking to local Irish groups, churches and families to learn what people would actually like before we plan too much.
Small and regular
A tea morning and an Irish music afternoon come first. A small thing that happens reliably is worth more than a big launch.
Checks before visits
Phone calls and home visits only start once our safeguarding policy is in place and volunteers have DBS checks.
Proper governance
We're recruiting trustees and working towards registration as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO).
Where we are today
- Charity statusNot yet
- We're not a registered charity yet. We're working towards registration as a CIO.
- DonationsNot yet
- We aren't taking donations. That waits until we have trustees, a bank account and proper controls.
- Home visitsAfter checks
- Home visits and befriending only start after our safeguarding policy is in place and volunteers have DBS checks.
- EventsNot yet
- No events are running yet. Dates will appear here once a venue is confirmed.
What happens when
Our plans are written as stages, from founding to our first year report. We'll update them as each step happens.