2021

LIF contributed to the national COVID-19 vaccine roll-out by hosting a moblie vaccine bus in our car park which was open to all communites.

With the lifiting of COVID-19 national restrictions LIF were able to host a belated celebration for our volunteers winning the prestigious Queen Award in 2020.

2020

Due to the world wide COVID-19 Pandemic, Luton St Patrick’s Festival was cancelled days before its opening event. With the UK having three National Lockdowns LIF moved its services and events online and commenced a shopping service for the most in need and made 70 calls per week as part of its Befriending Service for the most isolated. 

Our Volunteers won the prestigious Queen Award for Volunteering.

The Luton Digital Skills Project to assist people access employment was formed in partnership with Bangladesh Youth League.

2019

Generation Irish, a Model of Best Practice, a research report was published following focused community engagement to define the emerging needs of the second and third generation Irish in Luton. 

LIF Befriending Project was established.

The Trusted Charity Mark Level 2 was secured.

2018

The Embassy of Ireland hosted LIF’s 20th Anniversary Celebration.

Luton St Patrick’s Festival 2018 went ahead, indoors, despite severe weather conditions.

 A Young Person’s Project was developed.

2017

One million of previously unclaimed benefit was secured by our welfare team.

We held our first St Brigid’s Day celebration with an afternoon tea.

Our Ageing Well Project commenced including support for our volunteers.

2016

Ireland 1916 : Luton 2016, a programme of 1916 commemorations was launched.

Tea and Chat Social Group started meeting weekly.

PQASSO Quality Standard with Charity Commission endorsement was secured.

2015

LIF held a fundraising dance to raise money for our welfare service crisis fund and raised nearly £900 in total after costs.

LIF commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Irish poet W.B. Yeats through facilitating a multimedia display of works from local community members.

2014

The Advice Quality Standard with Welfare Benefit Case Work was secured.

‘This is Luton’ website is a one stop shop for young Irish people who are considering moving to, or who have just arrived in Luton.

A volunteer reward scheme has been introduced including a Trustee Champion, birthday and Christmas cards and seasonal events.

2013

We commenced cultural workshops in schools, an Irish Autumn Festival, a Calligraphy Group, Art Class, Baby & Toddler Group and bimonthly Culture Seminars to advance our second and third generation engagement.

We secured the Healthwatch Luton contract for 5 years, established to improve the quality of health and social care services in Luton.

2012

Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Enda Kenny opens our new purpose built and environmentally friendly centre, Kathleen Connolly House on Hitchin Rd.

We launched “Catching the Boat”, a year long heritage project that showcased the story of the working heritage of the Irish community from 1940 to 1960.

We commenced providing placements for social work students.

The Advice Quality Standard (AQS) – General Advice was secured.

2011

After 3 years of planning, works start on the redeveloped of our single storey centre to provide much improved facilities for our welfare service, social and cultural, health and educational activities.

2010

A research report entitled ‘The Long-Term Sustainability of Luton Irish Forum - A Minority Group Community Service Provider’ is published in partnership with Southampton University.

View the full report here.

2009

The Irish Language and Irish Literary Groups were formed.

South Luton Credit Union collection point commenced.

2008

The highest available, Silver Level, of the Q-cas quality standard was achieved.

2007

LIF celebrated their 10th anniversary.

The Emerald Pipe Band gave their first public performance.

Ballymore Properties donated a 16 seater minibus that enables access by the more vulnerable and isolated service users.

2006

LIF relocated to a fully accessible community centre at Kathleen Connolly House on Hitchin Rd, funded by The Kathleen and Michael Connolly Foundation, Dion (Irish Government Emigrant Support Programme) and Luton Council.

2004

The Irish Government Task Force on Immigration Report recommended increases in funding for voluntary agencies working with the Irish abroad, and a full-time Advice Service was established.

Rehab UK were commissioned to produce ‘The needs of the local Irish communtiy in Luton’.

View the full report here.

2001

The Tuesday Club met for the first time.

2000

Luton Council allocated a Development Worker to establish and identify the needs of the Irish community in Luton. The Forum was offered part of the first floor of the High Town Recreation Centre formally known as the The Drill Hall, as a base.

Regular opening hours were established 3 days a week, which laid the foundation of an advice, social and cultural centre.

LIF hosted the first Luton St Patrick’s Festival

1998

Regular monthly meetings were held in the Town Hall and eventually a Saturday morning drop-in come social centre in the assembly rooms at the Town Hall was established.

The First of our members to enjoy a cup of tea, a look at the Irish papers, a chat and a game of cards were Joan and late husband Liam Vines (RIP) and Ann Shiels (RIP).

1997

Luton Irish Forum met for the first time on the 17th September 1997.