London Spark is a charity set up in 2016 to support Polish community in London. It was found as a respond for a high need for legal and welfare advice. In 2017 Polish Citizen Advice Bureau was launched. It cooperates with Polish speaking solicitors working pro publico bono as well as liaises with social worker and accountant (both remunerated). This service has been funded by Polish Embassy since 2018.
In 2019-2020 London Spark was a member of European partnership involving partners from Italy, Portugal, Romania and Greece under Erasmus+ project ‘TWInS’ funded by European Commission. Together with our partners we developed model of social inclusion through education. We started cooperating with Polish Supplementary Schools in West London by delivering parental course ‘Strengthening families, strengthening communities’ and organising meeting with Polish speaking social worker how to prepare for transition from primary to secondary schools.
London Spark organises integration events like ‘Meet your Polish neighbours’ workshops or outdoors festival Polish Heritage Day held in Ravenscourt Park and attended by 2-3 thousand people each year.
Due to pandemic, we introduced new activities – mental health support, employability and career coaching as well as nutrition advice. We organise webinars run by Polish speaking psychologist, psychotherapist, career coach and nutrition therapist. We also offer individual support on employability for Polish residents of Hounslow. This service is supported by London Borough of Hounslow, Brent as well as The National Lottery Community Fund.
London Spark is based in Isleworth at Polish Radio London & Magazine Cooltura’s premises. The media partners help us to reach Polish community but also to organise integration events.
