What's Our Story?
We are three independent Irish charities working across the North of England who have decided that working in a more collaborative way will enable us to make even more of a difference to the lives of the Irish community living in the North of England.
Each of our charities were originally born out of a significant need in our local areas of Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds to provide culturally-led support, advice, cultural connection and in some instances housing to our Irish community.
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Fréa partner charities would not exist without years of transformative grants from the Irish Government’s Emigrant Support Programme, Philanthropic and Individual gifts and donations….
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These long-established charities were set up years ago to meet the needs of those Irish people who came to Britain in the 1940s and 1950s to earn money, often to support their families back in Ireland. They worked hard without the benefits of health and safety regulations and pension contributions. All too often, a main social outlet was the local Public House, which was also the place to secure employment week on week. In later years, this took its toll on many of them, through issues such as substance dependency, poor physical and mental health, homelessness and poverty. Many never returned home as they had hoped for, often feeling too ashamed of how their lives had turned out here in Britain. The partner charities offer vital housing, welfare advice and cultural support to these vulnerable people who are now in their latter years.
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Today the partner charities' work is extended to help the vulnerable in our Irish community of all ages, including families. Your continued support and generosity is urgently needed, and even more important now to deal with the additional hardships caused by the pandemic. We would kindly ask you to think of people in our communities who need your help more than ever before. COVID-19 has caused a huge increase in mental and physical health problems due to the sudden loss of loved ones, loss of income, poverty, debt, homelessness, and isolation. Your help no matter how small or large would be greatly appreciated to meet the increasing demands for the partner charities' services during these challenging times.
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Our mission is to continue to deliver and further develop our services to meet the increasing needs of our community. Through your financial gifts, we will be able to fulfil this important mission.
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That need continues to this day across first, second and wider generations living across the North who share our Irish heritage.
Continuing Connection
Why Fréa and how does it help us?
All charitable organisations are facing challenges – heightened even further by the cost of living crisis but we have decided we are stronger together for a variety of reasons:
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We can work more efficiently on joint projects and support services and share resources for the benefit of our Irish communities. Funding can go further and have a wide impact.
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We can raise awareness of the local grassroots work of each of our charities to a wider community across the North.
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We can work co-operatively to look for solutions that support gaps in our funding. As demand for charitable support increases across the country so does the competition for funds to support the need.
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Key services we provide to our Irish communities continue to be in potential jeopardy if we don’t look for new ways to raise funds and fill the funding gap. Irish Luncheon Clubs, Befriending support for Irish people who are isolated and lonely, celebrating cultural days and keeping the Irish spirit alive.
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We can share knowledge, resources and potentially back office operational costs to make our charities as lean as possible with a focus on grassroots delivery to each of our local Irish communities.
Our Vision
Thriving sustainable partner charities improving the health and well-being of vulnerable members of Irish communities of all ages across the North of England through offering practical, emotional, and cultural support.
& Mission
To establish a sound financial base for the future sustainability of the three partner charities through combining fundraising activities to build diverse and sustainable funding streams, and share skill sets to decrease overheads.
Partner charities
ICCM supports the Irish community in Manchester, with a range of services to help the people most in need, including the elderly and those who are isolated and lonely.
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Irish Community Care is based in Liverpool and delivers services across the North West. Their mission is to ensure well informed empowered and vibrant Irish communities.
LIHH helps vulnerable members of the community regain and retain their independence through services which heal, inspire, engage, celebrate and enable them to thrive.
