Innisfree co-sponsors Meitheal Muintire Irish end-of-life care project

Innisfree Housing Association, a member of BME National, is co-sponsoring an important new initiative with Irish in Britain to improve culturally sensitive end-of-life care for Irish communities living in the UK.

The project, titled Meitheal Muintire, takes its name from an Irish tradition of community cooperation. Its aim is to develop a community-informed response to end-of-life care that supports dignity and compassion for individuals and their families. Launch events were held in London, Leeds and Liverpool, inviting members of the Irish community to share their personal and professional experiences of end-of-life care.

Each event included a cultural element, such as poetry and traditional music, helping to create a reflective and supportive atmosphere. Innisfree CEO John Delahunty emphasised the importance of listening to honest and heartfelt testimonies, including those from Travellers, LGBTQ+ individuals and survivors of institutional abuse. He noted that while end-of-life care is often seen as an issue affecting older people, the events revealed a much broader range of experiences and needs.

The project will continue throughout the year, gathering input through surveys, interviews and group sessions. The goal is to create a collaborative report and a community charter for change, promoting good practice and identifying solutions to current challenges. BME National is proud to support members like Innisfree who are leading efforts to ensure care services reflect the cultural needs of the communities they serve.

If anyone would like to take part in the project, please email john.delahunty@innisfree.org.uk

More information on the project can be found at https://www.irishinbritain.org/what-we-do/health-and-wellbeing/meitheal-muintire-irish-end-of-life-care-project