Polski Bristol is a voluntary organisation. It is led by a Polish priest and representatives from local agencies, and aims to provide support, advice and information to new arrivals in the area. It is focused on the city’s Polish church.
The group has made translated information booklets available and holds monthly, themed advice sessions on key topics, including workers’ rights, personal safety (with the local community safety officer), British health services, getting school places and dealing with Polish/British tax systems.
Talks are held at weekends, making it easier for migrant workers to attend. Help is also given with the accreditation of foreign qualifications. Local faith and community groups are invited to speak at the church to aid community cohesion.
Demand for help is significant: approximately 200 people attended workshops held on employment rights and an English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) class run with the Workers Education Association attracted 300 people to the first weekend session.
When the jobcentre ran a session at the church where people could apply for National Insurance numbers, more than 700 people attended. The church helps out with individual problems and asks those whom it helps to assist other new arrivals.
Local health workers noticed that alcohol consumption was an issue among some of the Polish community and set up a Polish Alcoholics Anonymous group via contacts from Polski Bristol. Community police officers also engage with the migrant community by attending groups and talks held at the church.