The Irish Community Centre in Lewisham spent St Patrick’s Day delivering Irish stew and soda bread to those most vulnerable within the borough. 

Thanks to the work of the centre, this year’s St Patrick’s Day on March 17 was still one of joy and celebration for the people of Lewisham despite the Covid restrictions.

For many within the community, Covid-19 is a real threat to their health, not only physically but also mentally. 

The Lewisham Irish Community Centre held a series of events throughout the weeks in the run-up to the Irish holiday including an online mass on March 12 via Zoom which was followed by a virtual concert featuring local Irish musicians.

On St Patrick’s Day, with the help of volunteers, they delivered over 100 Irish stews and soda bread to the community in Lewisham. 

The Lewisham Irish Community Centre is a registered charity and was established to help relieve poverty, sickness, and distress through outreach programmes.  

They welcome people of all ages to experience and learn about Irish culture and heritage. 

The centre prides itself on inclusivity and extends its hospitality to the many people from diverse and cultural backgrounds that live in the borough and to people from surrounding areas. 

Over the past year, the charity has played a huge role in helping to minimise the impact of Covid-19 for the residents of Lewisham.

They have delivered over 2000 meals to those who are most vulnerable and have provided support to those at high risk of becoming isolated due to the pandemic through a number of outreach programmes. 

Lewisham’s Mayor, Damien Egan wished the charity a happy St Patrick’s Day and commended them for all of their vital work in the community over the last year: 

The Irish are the oldest ethnic group in the UK and have also been found to be the most likely to live alone.  

St Patrick’s Day, an Irish holiday in celebration of the patron saint of Ireland, is celebrated all across the globe.

London usually sees a vibrant and busy St Patricks day with an iconic parade through Trafalgar Square.

This year however due to covid-19 restrictions and the ongoing national lockdown official celebrations were cancelled. 

To help support the community centres mission and Covid-19 appeal you can visit their website here to make a one-off donation or “become a friend” through regular donation.