BARKA UK IS PARTICIPATING IN THE CONFERENCE OF POLISH ORGANIZATIONS IN THE UK
The aim of the conference was to bring together under one roof Polish organizations that supports their citizens in the UK and to share their experiences of working in this field.
The conference was initiated by Witold Sobków, Polish Ambassador in London. Then the speech also had Małgorzata Wypych, Member of Parliament – Committee for Liaison with Poles Abroad. MP Malgorzata noted that it is a pleasure to meet representatives of the Polish community organizations who work hard to improve the living conditions of Polish citizens on the islands. She also said that she hopes to stay in touch with all the organizations and to support their action in the UK.
Ambassador began his speech on the results of the referendum on Brexit, ie. the exit of Great Britain from the EU. Britons voted for leaving the European Union. Therefore, there were many questions about the future of Poles on the islands. Ambassador reassured, however, that the procedure of exits from the structure of the EU is not simple and it will be a long process. The new UK Prime Minister must apply for exit the UK from the EU, or negotiate a better offer to EU membership. Until then, the rights of Polish citizens do not change.
The conference was attended by representatives of such organizations as: Erdington Welcome Centre of Birmingham, and London: East European Advice Centre, Polish Community at Lambeth, Olallo House, Community Interest Company, Citizen Advice Bureau
Most organizations are involved in the wider counseling related to legal aspects of Polish residence on the British Isles and the propagation of Polish culture and tradition.
The Olallo House project supports the Polish citizens in unpaid, temporary accommodation. While in Olallo house, people who were homeless, can start looking for employment or if their health condition is poor, they have opportunity to rest before returning to Poland.
The conference ended with a discussion on the possibility of coordination and cooperation between Polish organizations and the possibility of regular meetings of the group.
Wersja polska raportu do pobrania: Konferencja Polskich Organizacji Poradniczo.