“I would like to wish all our volunteers, clients and their families a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Over the last 12 months I have had the most amazing support from the volunteers and couldn’t do it without the support they give to staff and the clients. I just cannot thank you all enough for your loyalty, support and time.

“A big thank you to all the families of the clients who have been so great in their appreciation of what we all do at the centres. 2025 has been the most memorable and challenging year, sadly we have said a final goodbye to some clients and given a warm welcome to new clients at the centres. 

“We have opened the doors on a brand-new centre and look forward to making new memories. The generosity and support everyone has shown over the last 12 months has been second to none. 

“Looking forward to seeing you all in 2026.”

Sharon Toy, Dementia Centre Co-ordinator

Messages from other team members:

“Well, here is to another year where Christmas has approached us rather quickly, as we enter the new year in our amazing new premises here is to an exciting 2026. I would just like to take this time to thank everyone that has helped us through this year with their support. 

“The staff and volunteers have been second to none. For all the fantastic empathy I have received from BIA during a tough time I am having in my personal life. 

“May you all have a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.”

Samantha Ataria, Dementia Support Worker

“We would like to wish all our volunteers a wonderful Christmas and a very happy and healthy New Year. It has been such a busy year with lots of changes that we couldn’t have got through without you all. 

“We are so excited for what lies ahead and can’t wait to share it all with you. Thank you for all the help, time, chats and smiles that get us through each day.

“Sending Lots of Love and Blessings”

Catherine Kelly, Front Office Manager and Rosie Pocklington, Financial Enablement Worker 

“As the Activities & Wellbeing Coordinator I would like to wish everyone a joyful Christmas and a happy New Year. I hope the festive season brings moments of peace, happiness and cherished moments. May the holidays be a time of rest and rejuvenation. 

“I hope the new year is filled with good health, positive experiences and exciting opportunities for personal growth and wellbeing. I look forward to supporting the community with their wellbeing in the new year and engaging them in further opportunities for connection. Thank you to everyone for their participation in activities and their continued support.”

Nollaig shona agus sona bhliain nua! 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

Ravinder Gill, Activities & Wellbeing Worker

“It’s been another wonderful year for our Dementia Awareness Project. We have loved working with local primary schools to support children that have a Grandparent who is living with Dementia and help to raise awareness and understanding. The children have all been amazing and are an absolute joy to work with, thank you so much to all the schools that we have worked with this year. 😊 We are excited to continue and develop our Projects in the New Year and reach out to support as many families as possible. We look forward to working with you all again in the new year.

“And what a year we’ve had with the Children’s Emotional Support Project. Work in schools has been very busy, with over 40 children benefiting from one to one or small group sessions supporting their emotional regulation – 2026 is looking set to be just as productive and we can’t wait to bring more support to children across the city. 

“We’d like to wish all of the children, their families, teachers and wider community a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2026.”

Claire White, Children’s Emotional Support Worker and Paulene McDermott, Children’s Support Worker

“Thank you to all our incredible volunteers who have supported us this year. Your contribution adds immeasurably to the work we do within the community. It is due to your generosity in giving us your time, skills and patience that we are able to run our services in the way we do.

“From the minute service users enter our dementia centres, join our activity clubs or make use of our office services and shop your smiling faces make them feel welcome. Our service users are made to feel valued through your kindness and understanding. You bring so much happiness to all involved with Birmingham Irish Association and the enthusiasm you display as volunteers is inspirational.

“I wish you all a joyous Christmas and a peaceful 2026.”

Róisín Mason, Volunteer Co-ordinator

“I just want to thank all the amazing clients, volunteers and everyone else who has been involved with BIA this year, it’s been a great year, and we could not have done it without the support from our community. I’m looking forward to 2026 as we settle into our new space at the Irish Centre in Kings Heath.”

Nollaig shona agus bliain nua faoi mhaise duit ☘️💚

Emma McGrath, Dementia Support Worker 

“2025, what an amazing year it has been here at Birmingham Irish Association and for the Irish community within our amazing City. We are looking forward to announcing more information about Birmingham St Patrick’s Day Parade 2026 very soon (keep an eye on our website and social media pages below for up to date information and announcements). 

“Thank you to Jobe from Ceol creatives who has been extraordinary working with children throughout the year teaching them how to play a variety of Irish instruments. Working with Schools and GAA clubs in Birmingham we are bringing back the toy appeal again this year which always gets a truly fantastic response and helps us to put smiles on children’s faces in our local areas for Christmas.

“I am really looking forward to what 2026 has to offer for us all and am wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. Stay safe, look after one another and enjoy all the quality time with loved ones.”

Sinead McTernan, Culture, Sport & Heritage Project Officer