Health is a key area of work within the Federation of Irish Societies.

The Irish community has acute and particular health needs which must be addressed in a culturally sensitive way.

Through intensive campaigning and a programme of informing policy through meetings, conferences and presentations, FIS works hard to ensure that the Department of Health, the NHS and other statutory organisations cater for the Irish community across the broad health spectrum.

FIS also works with Irish organisations to assist health projects in several areas including mental health, smoking cessation and alcohol awareness. FIS also produces health promotional material and makes this available to the Irish community through affiliates and through other initiatives like the health bus and health promotion days.

The Irish community in Britain die younger than other ethnic minority communities, are more likely to smoke and drink to excess levels, and therefore suffer from higher rates of coronary heart disease, incidences of hospitalisation for mental health reasons and a range of other health difficulties.

FIS seeks to improve the health of the Irish in Britain through its programme of work with the community and informing policy makers in statutory services so that they can ensure adequate provision for the Irish community.