26 January 2024
Befriending ‘Cairdeas’ in 2024
We are working continuously on our Befriending Project which focusses on supporting Irish individuals who are facing loneliness or isolation within the Borough of Brent. There are many individuals who find themselves in this position and we have a skilled and dedicated Befriending Team to support them and ensure they know they always have someone to talk to.
The befriending Team continually chat to clients from every county on the Island of Ireland on the phone and where possible, encourage them to come to see us in Ashford Place for tea, lunch, or where possible to join in an activity which allows them to socialise and form new friendships.
Many older Irish clients find themselves isolated from friends and family who may have moved away or passed on over the years. It is uplifting for them to chat to our Befriending Team about their hobbies and interests and how life in Ireland has changed since they left home many years ago. These conversations are beneficial to their mental wellbeing which in turn leads to improved physical health.
They can also avail of any paperwork they need assistance with or housing issues they may face which may be difficult for them to navigate on their own. We endeavour to assist where we can as we know it can be difficult for those who are not living amongst their Irish family and friends here in the UK.
You can contact the Befriending Team at
60 Ashford Place, Ashford Road, Cricklewood, NW2 6TU
Tel: 0208 208 8590 ext 219
Keep Well
The new year is now in full swing and with it has already brought severe storms and heavy frost. This weather can bring up many challenges for members of the community for various reasons as each year we see people facing housing challenges, physical and mental health concerns, loneliness and isolation to name a few. It is very important to us that we keep our clients and members of the community safe and supported not only through the cold winter months but also throughout the whole year.
With the cost of living increasing all the time, it has become more challenging for many people to keep their homes warm, eat good wholesome food and generally live a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Here in Ashford Place we work continuously to support people who face these challenges and we offer our support wherever we can to alleviate any concerns and stress these challenges they face.
Our ‘Keep Well’ Project is designed to assist everyone how to live well within their current situations and any health conditions they may have. Many have new or ongoing mental and/or physical health challenges and our team are here to support them if and when they need. We offer health talks weekly to those who come to our activities and offer any advice where we can to those who request it. This project is designed to assist and support those who may not otherwise have the information or knowledge on how to live well physically which in turn may lead to them developing poor mental health. Some of these conditions can be avoided with education, knowledge and our support. With the knowledge of how to Keep Well, individuals may avoid attending A&E or visiting GP surgeries unnecessarily.
We also discuss without community the importance of having Annual Health Checks and assist those who may need it to make important GP appointments. As most appointments are now made online it can be difficult for those who are not digitally aware.
We continue to reach out to the community to let people know we are here to assist where we can and our door is always open to those who need our support.
Our website outlines our projects and what we do here in Ashford Place. If you or anyone you know may benefit from our services, please get in touch and we can support or signpost to relevant support networks.
Ashford Place www.ashfordplace.org.uk
60 Ashford Road, Cricklewood, London, NW2 6TU
Tel: 0208 208 8590 email [email protected]