Cumbria attracts an increasing number of migrant workers to fish and food processing factories in coastal and market towns as well as the tourist industry, agriculture and social care. The Cumbria Police diversity officer and the county diversity staff wanted to be able to consult with migrant workers. They realised that the best places to contact them were at locations they already used and were comfortable with.
In Penrith there is a housing association foyer which provides a cheap location to meet, including free internet access. This was attracting a number of migrant workers. The foyer hosted English classes because the local college is out of town and many workers do not have personal transport. The county diversity team started to offer an advice surgery there.
A joint county/police initiative has led to a local group being set up based at the foyer. The police found funding to support a Polish web-based forum and a parallel English forum with housing association support. Messages are now sent through to the Polish site, for example about summer holiday recreation facilities.
A series of visits from other agencies to coincide with language classes is planned for autumn and the migrant worker group is working on a formal constitution. A parallel Eden Equality and Diversity network for agencies and voluntary groups is being organised with the first meeting in January 2007.