On Thursday 28th January, leading Irish figures from business, political, sporting and cultural circles attended The Ireland Funds Award reception at the Irish Embassy in London. Ambassador Dan Mulhall and his wife Greta hosted the annual event, which recognizes the efforts of an exceptional charity and raises awareness for the work they are doing.
This year Monica’s Place, which provides accommodation and welfare services to elderly Irish men dealing with substance addiction in the Birmingham area, was being recognized for its contribution to the community and its progressive collaboration with other charities.
Established in 2000 by Monica Jones and her husband Brian, the charity assists individuals for whom many other agencies have already failed or do not wish to deal with. Residents have often had no contact with their relatives in many years and staff work to provide this vulnerable and often unwelcome group with a friendly environment, in which to deal with their physical and mental health needs.
On receiving the award Monica said, “We are all really delighted and a little overwhelmed! You never think about winning an award like this and we’re all over the moon about receiving the grant. It is down to our volunteers who give so much of their time and spirit, we are so grateful to them.”