Luton Irish Forum’s GRT Christmas Party was set up to address health inequalities in the Traveller Community. Over 100 people, at least 50% of them, children,  attended LIF’s first GRT Christmas Party, hosted by Fr Tony Brennan at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Dunstable.

Santa was on hand to give presents to all of the children, while adults received health advice and support from Dr Tahir Mehmood and his son, Ayaz, a 4th year Medical Student. They offered blood pressure/blood sugar testing and resuscitation demonstrations, as well as advice about accessing GP services, muscle and joint pain management and heart health.

Total Wellbeing Luton’s Community & Outreach Manager, Nazma Miah was on hand to deliver mental health advice, promoting their flexible online wellbeing courses to help beat stress and stay well this winter.

Even Fr Tony and Santa himself took the opportunity to get their Covid booster, along with other eighteen guests who received flu and Covid jabs from Hertfordshire Community Trust and Equality PCN.

Meanwhile, Children’s Entertainer Miriam McKenna, aka Mim’s Parties kept it light with a hilarious and very competitive limbo competition, musical chairs and other party games.

Welfare Advisor, Nicola McLaughlin from LIF was present, giving Irish Passport information and benefit advice to Traveller and other communities who had braved the sub zero weather to attend.

Keeping everyone warm was the LIF kitchen team, serving hot drinks and Irish snacks.

Christina Gleeson, Public Health Manager for Luton Council and her colleague, Project Manager, Donna Kean were delighted with the turn out and further partnership events with LIF are planned in 2023.