St. Pat's Hats - an alternative St. Patrick's Day celebration

Mind Yourself, a charity working to improve the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of the Irish community in London, will be hosting a fundraising event on 14th March 2014 in Ku Bar, Soho, 6-9.30pm.

The event – ‘St. Pat’s Hats’ – will see Jane Taylor, go-to-milliner for the Royals, join luxury shoe designer Liam Fahy and textile designer Claire Anne O’Brien, to judge a hat designing competition in aid of the charity’s work. Compered by Absolute Radio’s Maggie Doyle, the judges will be tasked with choosing the winning design created by event attendees. 100% of all ticket sale proceeds will go directly to support the continued roll out of Mind Yourself’s mental health service in the city.

According to 2011 census figures, the Irish represent the fourth largest ethnic minority group in London. Britain, long the popular destination for migrants along with America, now holds several generations of Irish people within its borders. Indeed, as this population ages and as ever more emigrants make the move in search of work or simply adventure, there are those who experience mental health problems. Unfortunately, many are often unable to – or unsure of how to – access to the services and support they need, when they need it.

“Every year, more and more Irish people are moving to London, yet the line of Irish blood in this city goes back over several decades,” said Claire Barry, director of Mind Yourself. “We’re inviting everyone and anyone to come along to Soho for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration with a difference, knowing that their donation will be going directly into funding the work we do in support of mental wellbeing of the Irish community in this city. So, taking inspiration from all things Irish, we’re asking you to get creative and decorate a hat worthy of St. Pat himself!”

“We’re delighted to have judges of the international calibre of Jane, Liam and Claire Anne supporting our work. Also, special thanks to both Dublin man Gary Henshaw who is donating the use of Ku bar and to Wexford woman Maggie Doyle, who will be keeping the evening flowing. All in all, we’re looking forward to a great evening’s fun,” Barry continued.

London's huge Irish community ensures that the capital's St Patrick's Day festivities will be a rousing affair. Kicking off on the Friday before the official parade, the Mind Yourself event hopes to celebrate both the deep roots of the Irish community in London in an alternative and creative way.