Sheila Horan
Founding organiser
Sheila has run a charity before and brings years of experience to this work. She is setting up the organisation and is the first point of contact while we recruit trustees and volunteers.
Launching autumn to winter 2026
A familiar welcome for older Irish people in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire
We're a new, community-led organisation. We'll offer company, practical help and a link to Irish culture, starting with small, regular gatherings and growing carefully from there.
Launching autumn to winter 2026. Our first gatherings are being planned now.
Places we cover include Nottingham, Derby, Beeston, Arnold, Hucknall, Mansfield, Long Eaton, Ilkeston, Belper, Ripley, West Bridgford, Carlton, Heanor, Chesterfield.
Who we're here for
Most of the people we want to reach are in their sixties, seventies, eighties and nineties. If you're younger and would like to come along, you're welcome too.
Many Irish people moved to Nottingham and Derby in the decades after the war. They worked in nursing, building, factories and transport, raised families, and made a life here. Now in their sixties and older, some see less of the people and places that kept them connected.
We want to make it easy to find that company again: a cup of tea, a familiar accent, a few songs, and someone who can help with the everyday things.
You don't need to be born in Ireland. Irish heritage, an Irish spouse, or simply a love of the community is welcome.
What we'll do
Four areas of work. We'll start small with gatherings and add the rest as volunteers are trained and checks are in place.
Companionship
Regular gatherings, and later phone calls and visits, for people who'd like more company.
How it starts
Tea mornings and Irish music afternoons come first.
Our plans, step by step
This is what we're working on and roughly when. Dates after launch depend on recruiting trustees and volunteers, so we've written them as stages. We'll update this page as each step happens.
- Done
- Happening now
- Next
- Later
- 1Done2026
Founding
Sheila Horan starts the organisation. A draft constitution and first plans are written. We share an early version of this website for feedback.
- 2Happening nowAutumn to winter 2026
Launch
The website and Facebook page go live. We start conversations with local Irish groups and churches, and begin recruiting trustees, including a treasurer and a safeguarding lead.
- 3NextFirst three months after launch
First gatherings and policies
Our first gatherings: a tea morning and an Irish music afternoon. We write our safeguarding, data protection and money policies, and start a needs assessment to learn what people want.
- 4LaterMonths four to six
Applying to register
We apply to the Charity Commission to register as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO). We open a bank account, take out insurance, and move to monthly gatherings. Volunteer training begins.
- 5LaterMonths seven to nine
Checks, partners and funding
DBS checks are completed before any home visits or befriending. Gatherings move towards fortnightly. We agree referral routes with partners such as GP practices and council teams, and apply for Irish Government Emigrant Support Programme funding.
- 6LaterMonths ten to twelve
First AGM and year one report
Our first annual general meeting. We publish a short report on year one: who came, what helped, and what we'll change.
- 7LaterYear two
Reaching further
Reach more of Nottingham and Derby, start a befriending network, and publish a yearly outcomes report.
We’ll update these stages as each step happens.
Where we are today
- Charity statusNot yet
- We're not a registered charity yet. We're working towards registration as a CIO.
- DonationsNot yet
- We aren't taking donations. That waits until we have trustees, a bank account and proper controls.
- Home visitsAfter checks
- Home visits and befriending only start after our safeguarding policy is in place and volunteers have DBS checks.
- EventsNot yet
- No events are running yet. Dates will appear here once a venue is confirmed.
Who’s involved
Roles we’re looking for
- Treasurer
- Safeguarding lead
- Secretary
- Volunteers for gatherings and outreach
Get involved
- Come alongTell us you'd like to hear about the first gathering.
- Know someoneIf a parent, neighbour or friend might like this, we'd love to hear from you.
- VolunteerHelp at gatherings, make the tea, or help us reach people.
- Join the boardWe need a treasurer and a safeguarding lead to register as a charity.
Our email address and phone number will be listed here before we launch.
Our website will be at nottsderbyirish.org.uk.
Questions
Is this a charity?
Not yet. We're a community-led organisation working towards registration as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO). The plan above shows when we expect to apply.
Do I have to be Irish?
No. The gatherings are built around Irish culture, but anyone with Irish heritage, family or friends is welcome.
Will it cost anything?
We'll confirm before the first gathering. Our aim is to keep things free or close to it.
Where will gatherings be?
We're looking at venues in Nottingham and Derby. We'll publish the address once it's confirmed.
Can I refer someone?
Yes. Once our contact details are live, a family member, neighbour or professional can get in touch on someone's behalf, with their agreement.