Dzien dobry Coleraine 600 Polish now living in area

The challenges facing the ethnic group were explored at an awareness seminar hosted by Coleraine Borough Council in the Bertie Peacock Centre recently.

Providing an insight into the Polish culture, the seminar explored developing relations with our Polish neighbours.

Delivered by Maciek Bator, the seminar looked at the language barrier, reasons for coming here, cultural differences, employment for Polish nationals and services available to them.

Representatives from the PSNI, the Housing Executive, local churches and the Policing and Community Safety Partnership were in attendance at the training, which also dispelled claims that Polish people were given preferential treatment for jobs and housing in the area.

Roger McCallum, an independent member of the PCSP described the event as “very informative.”

“Our remit in the PSCP is to engage with as many groups as possible within the Coleraine Borough Council area.

“It is important that we reach out to our friends in the Polish community - consult and engage with them, and most importantly listen to what is concerning them. We can then tailor our Police and Community Safety services to provide for them.

“My belief is that the Polish community here in Coleraine has integrated well and I hope that this continues.”

The project received financial support from OFMDFM and formed part of Coleraine Borough Council’s Good Relations programme.