A series of events designed to break down barriers between Liverpool residents and the Polish community has been hailed as a big success.
Around 70 people attended the sixth in a series of ‘Meet your neighbours’ events organised by Merseyside Polonia. The evening included presentations on Polish culture, delivered in English and Polish, and a short film which celebrated the achievements of the project. The meeting was attended by officers from local housing associations, city councillors, council officers and community wardens. Guests discussed the availability of services and Merseyside Polonia’s future plans before sampling tasty Polish delicacies. Merseyside Polonia was set up by former Gdansk resident Gosia McKane and local charity Yellow House, for Polish people living in and around Kensington. The group was established with funding from Kensington Regeneration and partner agencies Community 7 and Venture Housing, as well as local councillors Louise Baldock and Laurence Sidorczuk. Gosia has lived in Liverpool for nine years and took action after the number of Polish people living in Kensington increased following Poland’s admittance to the European Union in 2004. Gosia said: “The meetings have been very successful and have exceeded my wildest expectations. The event at the Academy gave us a chance to summarise the achievements of the project and to thank all the groups and individuals who have helped us grow. “We have given the native Liverpudlians a chance to meet their Polish neighbours, broken down stereotypes and forged links with countless local organisations. “The aim is to now continue the good work through further cooperative events that will see people of all communities coming together.â€