As Christmas and the end of 2024 draws closer, I would like to take the opportunity to send out my thanks to all our amazing volunteers. You selflessly give so much of your time, thoughtfulness and kindness to our service users whether it be in our office, our dementia centres or on our many activity projects.

"Your contribution helps, amongst many other things, to alleviate social isolation, teach new skills, provide guidance and support. Without you our services would not be able to run in the ways that they do. Whether you come to us to spend the day as part of a work volunteering community day or you are with us on a week-to-week basis, your contribution is immeasurable.

"Sending you all best wishes for a happy Christmas and a peaceful new year."

Róisín Mason, Volunteer Coordinator

Messages from other team members:

“2024, what an amazing year it has been here at Birmingham Irish Association and for the Irish community within our amazing City. This year we have seen the return of the Birmingham St Patrick’s parade in Digbeth, what a memorable day it was. The City turned out in their thousands to participate or watch the fantastic parade that the committee with help from members of our community made happen. We are looking forward to announcing more information about Birmingham St Patrick’s Day Parade 2025 soon.”

Sinead McTernan – Culture, Sport & Heritage Project Officer  

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"Rosie and Catherine would like to wish all our volunteers a Wonderful Christmas and a very happy and healthy new year. It has been such a busy year, and we couldn’t have got through it without you all. We are so grateful for all the help, time, chats and smiles that get us through each day. We look forward to the year ahead helping even more people together. Sending love and thanks to you all. God Bless"

Catherine Kelly, Front Office Manager & Rosie Pocklington, Financial Enablement Worker

"What a wonderful year 2024. We would both just like to wish all our volunteers, clients and their families a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year. Over the last 12 months we have had the most amazing support from the volunteers and couldn’t do it without the help they give to staff and the clients. We just cannot thank you all enough for your loyalty, support and time. A big thank you to all the families of the clients who have been so great in their appreciation of what we all do at the centres. 2024 has been the most memorable and challenging year, but the generosity and support everyone has shown over the last 12 months has been second to none. Looking forward to seeing you all in 2025"

Sharon Toy and Samantha Ataria, Dementia Care Support Workers

“This has been an amazing year for the projects in our Children’s Support Team! Our projects involve visiting local Primary Schools and supporting children and families. Our work involves delivering support sessions to children through discussion, games, stories and activities. We thoroughly enjoy our work with children and families and we are so pleased to be able to offer our support to all the wonderful children we work with. Our Children’s Emotional Support project commenced in June 2024. So far two primary schools have both been visited for two days a week, supporting a total of 37 students. The children have responded well to both the individual and the group sessions, which include a wide range of activities such as role play, movement-based sessions, sensory activities and time for reflection.”

Claire White and Paulene McDermott, Children’s Support Team

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"2024 been a busy and productive year for the Health Enablement team. There has been a steady flow of referrals from people needing our support to stay safe and independent. We’ve had the privilege of being invited into their homes, getting to know them, and hopefully with our advocacy, made a positive difference to their health and wellbeing. We have helped people with a variety of things, including, clients experiencing challenges with illness or disability, finances, housing, caring responsibilities and isolation to name just a few issues."

Emma McGrath and Bernie Walsh, Health Enablement Team

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"To all the amazing people I've had the pleasure to serve this year, wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and thank you for making me feel so welcomed and respected. Throughout this busy year, we were blessed with many sunny walks with the award winning Ramblers, silver surfed across the internet to new destinations to improve our lifestyle, ironed out plenty of back tension in Tuesday Keep Fit Club, and travelled to the south for the County Canal Club. It's been a great adventure and a total joy getting to know so many of you throughout 2024. Here's to hosting plenty more in the New Year! Merry Christmas and a happy new year to the BIA community."

Liam Blackwood, Activity Coordinator