Polish and Roma Communities Advice Sessions

A library-based information and advice scheme for members of Southend's Polish and Roma communities continues to provide a vital service by helping 319 people with 519 enquiries in 2011.

Since June 2008, Jadzia Haughton, a Polish speaking advisor from the local community has been employed by Southend Borough Council to run an information advice service based at the Central Library. This weekly service has helped hundreds of Borough residents with enquiries around electoral registration, taxation, dealing with debt companies, education and NHS appointments to name but a few. A main focus of support has also been to assist the filling in of forms for Polish speaking members of the local community.

Last year, the library service also linked up with Essex Fire and Safety Service and independent charity, the Electrical Safety Council (http://www.esc.org.uk/) to begin offering free EU-to-UK conversion electrical plugs along with copies of two Polish / English language information leaflets: "Adapt your electrical appliances for safe UK use" and "Fire Safety in the Home".

The plugs incorporate a fuse making it possible for people to use their own electrical appliances safely and were generously donated by the ESC , which is committed to reducing deaths and injuries through electrical accidents at home and at work.

Simon Wallace Community and Diversity Manager said:

"Southend Libraries continue to make real efforts to respond to the information needs of the town's Polish and Roma communities. As a result we are seeing increased library membership, and use of Internet services, as well as visits to the Bookstart Storyrhymes sessions, loans of children's and adult books in Polish and use of our English Language resources".

He added "This latest safety partnership has also helped many residents from our Polish speaking communities, by ensuring their electrical appliances are fitted with the correct plugs for use in the UK , and receiving important information about fire safety in the home".

Jadzia Haughton, Polish Advice Service said:

"Members of the Polish and Roma communities who come along to the advice sessions always express how lost they would be without it. People are most grateful to Southend Libraries for providing this invaluable service".

For further information please see the leaflet in the related downloads section on the right-hand side of this page or contact Southend Libraries Community Team on 01702 215011.