The East of England Polish Community Organisation

The East of England Polish Community Organisation is a voluntary group that provides information and support to the Polish community in Cambridge and the surrounding areas.
Services provided include a “One-Stop-Shop” in Dom Polonia. This is a drop in session provided every Wednesday in which assistance is given to those that (for example) wish to fill out forms; translate documents; or receive information on topics that are of particular concern to Polish migrants - namely, how to become self-employed; employment rights; education issues; and benefits.

Other topics are discussed in specific workshops on an ad-hoc basis.

The organisation also promotes Polish culture at multi-cultural events organised by the voluntary-sector and/or local authorities. The group maintained a Polish stall on 19th October at Cambridge City Council’s Black History Month, and at a multi-cultural event in Huntingdon organised by Cambridgeshire Minority Ethnic Employees Network.
The group has also organised several social and cultural events promoting both Polish community cohesion and integration with the wider population of Cambridgeshire.

In an effort to support Polish parents, the group is establishing the Polish Parents Forum (PPF) in Cambridge, aimed at improving communication between schools and parents, and disseminating information about access to parenting/educational services amongst Polish families. The PPF in Cambridge will be a pilot project, which will then be rolled out in other towns in Cambridgeshire such as Huntingdon, Wisbech and Ely. The group will also develop a parenting programme to support Polish parents and their children.

In order to improve the level of English spoken among Polish migrants, the group also intends to set up an English Speaking Club.