The launch of Meitheal Muintire co-sponsored by Irish in Britain and Innisfree Housing Association, took place at the London Irish Centre.
Our aim is to produce a roadmap for future practice and policy – a community charter for change.
At the morning workshop, representatives from Irish community groups, and other stakeholders, gathered to share experiences and perspectives both professional and personal.
It was a powerful, and sometimes moving, conversation about a subject that can often be difficult to openly address.
Several people talked about the need to talk about end-of-life care long before someone needs it.
Others reflected on the challenges faced by clients in the community when they want to remain at home but need extra support.
People discussed what makes good end-of-life care, and what the specific needs and concerns of the Irish community might be.
Attendees talked about everything from the impact of the long wait for a funeral in Britain and how to open a conversation about the wishes of clients or loved ones at the end of their life, to the stigma of suicide.
Inspiring
Shauna Mulligan, Director of Irish Community Services commented,
“Today’s workshop was incredibly informative and inspiring. It highlighted just how impactful initiatives like this can be for the Irish community in Britain.
"Although often an uncomfortable and challenging topic, this event provided a thoughtful and supportive space to reflect on its importance, highlighting the clear need for on-going dialogue and action.”
Attendees also discussed the importance of acknowledging the varying experiences of people in the Irish community, including LGBT+ people, the Traveller community, people of mixed heritage and survivors.
Katie Doyle, Survivors Integrated Service Manager at the London Irish Centre said:
“It was a privilege to part of today, it was a powerful communion of professionals and experts coming together to make a difference. I welcome the opportunity to include the survivor community within this important discussion and raise awareness of their unique needs.”
Dame Elizabeth Anionwu, Patron of Irish in Britain, with a long history in the NHS was also enthusiastic about the project and said she was inspired by the discussion.
Palliative care doctor Dr Jo Grady addressed the workshop and talked about her work.
Afterwards she said, “I enjoyed being in a room full of people as passionate about end-of-life care as me. I am used to being the expert, but there was so much experience and wisdom in the room.
"It was a great opportunity to look at how we can walk alongside the Irish community as they address these issues.”
At the end of the workshop attendees were asked to give one word that reflected their feelings about the morning.
The Irish Wake
In the afternoon the event was open to the public for a special performance of ‘The Keening’ with Bafta-winning Achill Island writer Kevin Toolis and acclaimed Sean Nós singer Caitríona Ni Chennabháin, who came over from Connemara to take part in the event.
Performing with a coffin on chairs in front of them, Kevin and Caitríona explored the culture and history of the Irish wake through poetry and song, as well as humour.
There was plenty of audience participation in the show and there was also a special moment at the end when the audience in hall, at first tentatively and then in full voice, joined Caitríona in song.
It was a day that confirmed for everyone involved the need for a project to explore all aspects of end-of-life care with the widest possible participation across the Irish community.
John Delahunty, Chief Executive Innisfree Housing Association said: "The workshop launching the project this morning has been fascinating and created even more momentum for the work.
"My favourite quote from a delegate was: 'The conversations this morning have gone nowhere and everywhere!’ and that perfectly captures the spirit of these early discussions.”
Brian Dalton CEO Irish in Britain said: “Today’s project launch starts the broadest community conversation yet on what we should expect, and aspire to, in the care of our loved ones. Everyone’s origin story deserves recognition in the planning of their own end-of-life journey.”
The project will be holding similar workshops in Liverpool and Leeds in the coming months. Find out more on the Meitheal Muintire page HERE.