Polish Family Support Centre - overview of services

Lucyna Mazur-Markatzi, Director of the Polish Family Support Centre, shares an overview of the services the organisation provides to Polish people in Scotland including a Mental Health Clinic, Welfare Rights Advice and Food Bank. The organisation has recently joined Edinburgh Advice Network.

Polish Family Support Centre

The Polish Family Support Centre in Edinburgh was established in 2009 with the aim of supporting Polish people living in Scotland. The organization's special goal is to provide support to Poles who may find themselves in difficult life situations.

The organization offers psychological and psychotherapeutic support, educational and advisory programs aimed at supporting personal and professional development. One of its main objectives is to promote social and cultural integration. The organization organizes events and workshops that help Polish people to adapt to life in Scotland and promote Polish culture and traditions within the local community.

Within our Centre, we have:

• Mental Health Clinic - we provide psychological, psychotherapeutic and educational consultations and advice both individually (for adults and youth) and for families (for parents with children of various ages). Sessions are available according to the client's preference: in-person or online. We regularly conduct support/therapeutic groups and developmental workshops for children, youth and adults. In addition, we provide online psychiatric consultations and speech therapy support.

• Welfare Advice Office - we offer social and administrative advice: benefits, phone calls on behalf of the client, application forms, letters and translations.​​​

• Polish Library - over 2,500 books on a variety of subjects

• Food Bank - thanks to cooperation with Lidl, Sainsbury's and local food banks.

  
  

• Legal Clinic - collaboration on a referral basis with a trusted law firm in Edinburgh that has Polish‑speaking solicitors

Summary of Current PFSC Free Projects / Services

1. Supporting Polish women and girls in Scotland suffering from psychological or emotional abuse “Reclaim your power! Reclaim yourself!”

The service provides a safe space to talk, regain confidence, and rebuild a sense of control. Support is delivered through individual conversations with trained professionals.

2. Youth Mental Health Project (Ages 12–16)

A dedicated programme for Polish children and young people aged 12–16 and their parents aimed at improving mental health and emotional resilience. The project offers individual consultations and support groups.

3. Crisis Support for Polish People in Edinburgh

A community project providing practical and emotional support for individuals experiencing difficult life situations. The service includes: A consultation point offering a safe place to talk, psychological support for those in crisis, welfare advice for people facing financial or housing difficulties.

4. Community Café

A social space where community members can meet, talk about everyday matters, and enjoy coffee or tea.

The aim is to reduce isolation, build connections, and create a welcoming environment.

Languages 

All our services are available in Polish and English which is often crucial for clients who struggle with language barriers.

Referral route 

The best and most efficient way for organisations to refer clients is through our website: https://www.pfsc.co.uk/referrals-1

For more information, please also see the attached flyer below, which is also available in Polish. If you have any questions, or would like to connect further with the organisation, Lucyna can be contacted at Lucyna@pfsc.co.uk