“I’ve slept in the streets, I’ve slept in doorways; all of a sudden Ireland feels like a million miles away”

The London Irish Centre does incredible work.

A bridge to home for the thousands of Irish people who have emigrated to London, the London Irish Centre has launched its Christmas appeal. The centre looks after people in need and is also involved in the promotion of Irish culture in the UK's capital. Through a wide mix of community services and cultural programmes, including advice services, outreach activities, social groups, events and journeys to Ireland for long-term emigrants, the LIC is at the heart of the Irish community in London. Backed by the LIC’s patron, TV star Dermot O’Leary, the annual appeal raises funds for the LIC’s work with the most vulnerable members of the city’s Irish community.

“It's a big honour for me to be patron of the LIC," said O'Leary. "I'm very proud of my Irish heritage, my parents were part of the post war generation of immigrants who came to London to find a new life, so the London Irish community is one that is very close to my heart. We want and need the Irish community to support this important work for the Irish in most need.”

This video shows the positive work being done for the Irish community by the centre, especially coming close to Christmas when community matters so much to people. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7zW0IVENtM As part of the seasonal campaign, there will a special Irish community gathering and Christmas carol session at the London Irish Centre on Dec 12th at 7pm. Expect carols, live music and community. The LIC is asking for online donations through JustGiving, by mobile by texting LICX 16 £10 to 70070 to donate £10, or by cash/cheque by calling 020 7916 2222. Further details on the appeal are available on www.londonirishcentre.org.