Organised in partnership with affiliate groups, the Advice Workers Forums are for those working in frontline roles offering welfare advice and information to the Irish community. They provide an opportunity for workers and volunteers to:

• meet together for peer support
• share information and advice on cases
• update skills and knowledge
• hear presentations by guest speakers
• contribute inputs into policy development
• network with other advice workers
  

Who are they for?
The forums are for anyone involved in an advice or information-giving capacity working in organisations that assist the Irish community. Workers/volunteers do not have to have 'Advice Worker' in their job or role title in order to attend and benefit.

What do I have to do?
Come to meetings and get to know others working in the same field as you. Meetings are usually held quarterly with additional periodic training workshops.

What are the benefits?
Individuals will meet with other advice/information workers/volunteers and will be able to share concerns and seek advice. They will gain an understanding of issues being faced by other welfare workers in the Irish community. They will have an opportunity to network and to update skills both for themselves and others through presentations by guest speakers and period training workshops. Organisations will benefit through better-informed staff and volunteers, and increased links with other organisations.

Where are the meetings?
Currently, two groups are running, one covering the London area and one for the Midlands.

For further information on the London forum email info@irishsocieties.org

For further information on the Midlands forum, call Helen White, Community Development Worker, on 0121 622 4169 or email hwhite@irishsocieties.org.