Fresh Perspectives: A Needs Analysis of the Irish Community in London
Vulnerable Irish migrants feel let-down by UK welfare system
A SHOCKING lack of faith in the welfare system among London’s Irish community is revealed in a landmark study.
The largest ever survey of its kind shows nearly nine out of ten (87.7 per cent) report poor or moderate levels of perceived social support.
Launched in Westminster, it calls for greater awareness among frontline social workers in helping Irish migrants.
“The data showed that recent Irish migrants, older Irish people and Irish carers lack appropriate social support, feel that mainstream services do not meet their needs and have a preference for culturally sensitive services,” says co-author Jeff Moore, Director of care at London Irish Centre. “The study demonstrated the on-going health needs of the established community, and showed that although the physical health of recent migrants was good, many self-report anxiety and depression.”
Developed in partnership by the London Irish Centre and the Federation of Irish Societies the study is the first large scale examination of the needs of the Irish community in London.
It examined the needs of 855 vulnerable Irish people in London, such as recent migrants, older people, second generation Irish people, and carers.
The study demonstrates the continuing disadvantage of the older Irish community, as well as providing new data highlighting the vulnerability of recent migrants, as well as social and health disadvantages of Irish carers.
Although most respondent’s feel they are fairly treated in London, the majority report poor or moderate levels of social support.
The study also provides data on the impact of culturally sensitive services for Irish people and respondents perceptions of mainstream services.
The research indicates:
That isolation in the London Irish community is a contributory factor to poor health outcomes
Recent migrants experience a cultural shock over competition for housing and employment, with 11.2 per cent reporting either anxiety or depression
The data on recent migrants indicates a causal link between poorly planned migration and poor mental health
Although Irish migrants lack information on culturally sensitive services, those who use these services are more aware of their rights and entitlements and feel more fairly treated, the survey shows.
Respondents found that mainstream organisations in London lack awareness of their rights, while older Irish people and carers rely heavily on culturally sensitive services, rating the expertise and responsiveness of these services highly.
The research calls for an awareness raising campaign to reduce the number of Irish people moving to London without undertaking appropriate planning and to increase engagement with culturally sensitive services upon arrival.
The report also called on policy makers, funders and service providers to recognise the importance and potential long-term impact of culturally sensitive services for vulnerable Irish people.
Dr Mary Tilki, Chair of Federation of Irish Societies who co-authored the report said “The data should be used to ensure local and regional planning for social services includes detailed information on the needs of the Irish community. Those involved in migration policy and commissioning must use the results to plan effectively for the needs of this community. As well as this mainstream organisations must improve front-line workers’ awareness of the rights of recently arrived Irish people under the common travel area agreement.”
Welcoming publication of the report, Chris Ruane MP, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Irish in Britain said:�
“The findings of this report must give food for thought for all MPs and elected representatives in London. It reinforces representations made by community groups and care workers that the Irish in Britain, particularly the elderly, are at risk of neglect at a time of austerity. They are in need of community sensitive services. The British Irish Parliamentary Assembly has previously expressed the view of politicians from throughout these islands, that the Irish in Britain should not become an easy target for cuts. It is a view with I which I whole-heartedly concur.”
For more information please contact:
Jeff Moore, Director of Welfare, London Irish Centre
Email: jeff.moore@londonirishcentre.orgMobile: 07950 422469
Jennie Mc Shannon, CEO Federation of Irish Societies
Email: jmcshannon@irishinbritain.orgMobile: 07723 822015
To download the report you can do so here - exec-summary-frontcover, exec-summary & fresh-perspectives
