
The Goan Welfare Society (GWS) was founded in March 1983 to provide limited assistance to Goans living in the UK.

The responsibility for the Charity was handed over to the Goan Association (UK) when the original Trustees had passed away and in October 2004, it was re-constituted with Trustees appointed by the Board of Directors. However, as required by the Charity Commission, the Charity operates as an autonomous body with its own membership and raising its own funds. Read our Mission statement …
Over the past few years, the welfare work has shown a considerable demand due to the increasing number of Goans arriving in the UK and also with the ageing community needing more assistance. This has put pressure on the Charity because of a lack of resources and more importantly, because more volunteers are desperately needed – as the saying goes
“ The Harvest is Big, but the Labourers are Few ”
BREAKING NEWS
1 Jul: Swindon, UK. VIVIANO ANDRADE. Died peacefully at home. Born in Goa on 11 March 1983, son of late Nicolau Honorato Andrade and Anacleta Gonsalves (Dabal, Goa) He is survived by his beloved mother Anacleta Gonsalves, siblings Fr Valeriano Andrade, Veena Andrade & Visitação Andrade and brother-in-law, Menino Edviges Fernandes.
Funeral service will take place at Our Lady of Visitation Church, 358 Greenford Road, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 9AN, on Wednesday, 2nd August 2023 at 1.00pm.
Live stream at https://parish.rcdow.org.uk/greenford/
Condolences to: valeriano.andrade2@gmail.com
Latest Appeal …
- Viviano Andrade appeal
An appeal for funeral arrangements for Viviano Andrade
Dear Friends
I am appealing to your generosity, as we are trying to raise funds to cover the cost of the funeral arrangements for Viviano Andrade, who is the brother of Fr Valeriano Andrade, parish priest at Our Lady of Candelaria, Porvorim. Viviano is single and passed away suddenly in Swindon on 1 July 2023. Our target is to raise £4,000.00 to defray the costs of the funeral arrangements.As with our previous appeals, we are hoping for a generous response from the Community at large but particularly, from the many Goans in the Swindon area. Donations may be made by interbank transfer (see bank details below) or by “PayPal” through our website under the “Donate Now” page: www.goanwelfaresocietyuk.com.
Alternatively, you may consider the “GoFundMe” initiative, set up by the family and the link is: https://gofund.me/8333842e
Cheque donations may be posted to our registered address below or handed to any Trustee of the GWS (Flavio Gracias, Paul De Mendonca, Norma Menezes-Rahim, & Rosy De Souza) or to Fr Patrick De Souza, the Goan Chaplain or to Fr Jovto D’Souza, at St Anselm’s Church, Southall or to Emma Rodrigues in Swindon. Cheques should be made payable to: Goan Welfare Society UK, with your address on the reverse.
May I convey my sincere thanks for your help and our best wishes for a peaceful summer!
God bless & keep safe.
HOW YOU CAN HELP …
West London:
Ealing Hospital on: 020 8869 2113
Northwick Park, St Mark’s & Central Middlesex Hospitals: Kindly leave a voicemail including patient’s name, religion and the ward if known. Sunday – Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm. Phone: 020 8967 5130
Alternatively, request a member of Staff to contact a chaplain
or e-mail: LNWH-tr.chaplaincy@nhs.net
The Hospital Chaplain used to have access to the list of patients on a ward. That is no longer the case and either the person themselves or family or friends must let the Chaplain know if you would like a visit or Communion
South-West London:
St George’s Hospital, Tooting:
Contact the Goan Chaplain, Fr Patrick De Souza, on: 07342 267878 (email: patrickdsouza2008@gmail.com)
General: Ask the Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital to contact the Catholic Hospital Chaplain, giving the full name & ward of the patient.