ANTHONY HANLON, now the director of Leeds Irish Health and Homes, was its first worker in 1996. Here he writes about the historical context of the Irish in Britain, and the development of services sensitive to the needs of those who identify themselves as Irish. He also challenges organisations to reflect on their diversity policies, to see whether they are inclusive of one of the largest but least visible ethnic groups in this country.
The Irish community in Britain is one of the largest ethnic minority groups. In Leeds they are the 3rd largest. Irish people have been emigrating to Britain in significant numbers since the 1820s, with major emigration after the Second World War through to the 1980's.
The colonial relationship with Britain and the effects of the war in Ulster has meant that the Irish have all too often been seen by the host community as inferior and dangerous. As with other BME communities, it was alright to take on the menial, unskilled work that was available, but that did not really mean that people had a right to equality. Negative stereotypes of the Irish as sub-human, disease-ridden, drunks, feckless and terrorist sympathisers have all been perpetrated over the years leaving people without good support networks in a very vulnerable position. A notable example of this being a portrayal of Irish people in EastEnders in 1998, resulting in a public apology by the BBC.
Irish people coming over tended to come as single people, leaving family behind. More women than men came also. Men mainly worked in the construction industries which meant hard graft, constantly having to travel to where the work was, poor quality accommodation and being hired, fired and paid in the pub. Women went into the service industry with a lot going into cleaning, hotel and hospital work. When the work was plentiful and health was with you this could be coped with, but as the work dried up and health failed due to ineffective personal care or non-existent health and safety practice, people themselves started to go downhill fast.
“The Irish are the largest ethnic minority by immigration in the UK. 1.5% of the population were born in Ireland, and together with their children researchers estimate Irish people form 4.6% of the population.”
Failed aspirations, a deep sense of shame, a lack of trust in the authorities in Britain and a feeling that bad luck was a 'cross to bear' in life all added to the reluctance of Irish people to seek support from agencies at a time when it was needed. This coupled with a reluctance to admit to members of your own community that times were bad meant that people drifted into crisis without knowing where to turn.
Leeds Irish Health & Homes (LIHH) began providing its services in 1996 in response to these facts. Disproportion-ately higher rates of homelessness, mental health and physical health difficulties and no culturally sensitive support specifically aimed at Irish people within any statutory or voluntary sector services meant a service was needed to fill the gap.
LIHH began primarily as a provider of supported housing to vulnerable single Irish people. As members of the community started to use our services further needs were uncovered and our services diversified. Our housing service now supports 72 individuals and our community outreach service includes support for older people and people with health problems. We now support over 150 people on a weekly basis.
The case for Irish inclusion in equality debates was boosted in June 1997 when the Commission for Racial Equality published its first research into the Irish community in Britain. 'Discrimination and the Irish in Britain' highlighted the fact that although there were many examples, as with other immigrant communities, where the experience of emigration had provided opportunities to successfully integrate into life in Britain, there was a disproportionate number of Irish people for whom the dream had turned into a nightmare.
“Examples of racism, extremely poor health indicators and lack of educational and employment opportunities were cited showing that for too many Irish people, their ability to share equally in the opportunity of life in Britain didn't exist.”
Subsequent research such as the Health Survey for England in 1999 supported the fact that too many Irish people were experiencing poor physical and mental health. A devastating statistic highlighted is that Irish men's life expectancy falls by 4 years when entering Britain and the recently published 'Inside/Outside' report shows Irish people have some of the highest suicide rates here.
LIHH presented the findings of its health outreach project in October of 2002. 'Digging Deeper' (available at www.lihh.org) showed that the Irish community in Leeds were suffering major disadvantage and inequalities in health and social care. The report had seven recommendations which included the setting up of culturally appropriate day care and drop-in services for Irish people, creation of Irish specific posts within voluntary and statutory agencies and appropriate training for agencies on Irish need.
“Having an identifiable Irish agency has meant members of our community know that when they come to see us, their culture, heritage and mores will be understood and responded to with sensitivity. For instance, the lack of literacy within an older person's history will not be judged because it is understood why this is so.”
Irish need has remained 'hidden' for too long because ethnic monitoring of Irish people has been ineffective or non-existent. Even when monitoring has taken place, figures were often shelved, as a black/white view of ethnicity dominated. I surveyed major housing providers in Leeds in 1999 (supported and general) and there were only three for whom the Irish were part of their equal opportunities planning process and we were already working with all three of them.
"The Race Relations Amendment Act (2000) requires statutory agencies to report back on the impact on their services on BME communities."
It is to be hoped that inclusion for the Irish will result from this, but our experience is one where we know our community will have to shout very loudly to be heard.
If you would like to know more, or would like assistance in incorporating awareness of the Irish as a BME group into your diversity policy, Anthony Hanlon would be pleased to help. Contact him on: Tel: 0113 262 5614 or E-mail:
