President opens new
ICAP offices
 BY Elaine
Sheridan
IT WAS a reception fit for a President — literally.
The launch of ICAP’s new offices in Finsbury Park played host to
the President of Ireland Mary McAleese.
And in what was a fitting tribute to the staff and volunteers who have
worked in ICAP down through the years, scores of other guests packed into
the building to show their support of the worthy project.
The Irish President met with staff and guests in the new offices before
being treated to a tour of the building to witness the inviting new therapy
rooms.
Following that she made her way around the corner and back to the old
premises which Mrs McAleese also opened six years previous.
There to greet her were many therapists, patrons and guests of the centre
who were clearly thrilled by the occasion.
In her speech President McAleese spoke of her delight at the progress
ICAP has made during those years.
She said: “It is a great thrill to be back after a six-year gap.
The last time I was here I launched your other offices too. It is pretty
obvious you have been busy, very busy in the meanwhile.
“These new premises and the development of your service is proof
positive of the value of what you do and how needed it is.”
The President also acknowledged the importance of other welfare organisations
around Britain and the need for the continued support of these facilities.
She said: “I know that wherever on this island the Irish community
gathers in their many centres and homes from home they offer care to one
another, advice and all sorts of help, support and encouragement.”
Founder of ICAP Teresa Gallagher — who returned to Ireland from
Britain last September — made a welcome return from her new home
in Co. Leitrim to share in the occasion.
Teresa — who hails from Donegal — founded the organisation
10 years ago after identifying a gap in the provision of mental health
for the Irish in Britain.
She said: “Setting up ICAP was a struggle. I will never forget those
individuals who put their hands in their pockets, the £50 in an
envelope, the word in the ear of someone who could help or the fundraising
drives to bring in enough money to keep the service going.
“Because of that earlier support and the continual lobbying ICAP
enjoys the support of the Irish Government, the Irish Embassy in Britain
and the support of many funding bodies and friends of ICAP.”
Presentations were made to various members of ICAP staff and tributes
were paid to all the therapists, volunteers, helpers and patrons of the
service throughout the years.
A special mention was also extended to architect Angela Brady and to the
builders who oversaw the project.
Gary Fereday — who took over from Teresa as chief executive —
said that since arriving in his new post he was hugely impressed with
the professionalism and dedication of all those associated with the organisation.
Chair of ICAP Máire Brankin said: “This is a culmination
of six years hard work, wishes, hopes and dreams.
“Having the President and her husband along with the Ambassador
and his wife, the founder and new CEO felt like it was a real acknowledgement
of the importance of the whole Irish mental health agenda and the important
part ICAP plays in being the only provider of such a service to people
of Irish origin and many others.” | 