Polish Heart, Local Soul – Bringing Families Together Through Music and Wellbeing

We're delighted to launch Polish Heart, Local Soul, a new year-long community programme supporting Polish families in Peterborough through music, wellbeing and meaningful community connections.

Made possible through funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, the programme has been shaped by conversations with local families who told us they wanted more opportunities to meet, support one another and enjoy activities in a welcoming Polish-speaking environment.

The project offers two free weekly programmes.

🎶 Polish Mum & Baby Music provides music and movement sessions for expectant parents and children up to the age of three. Through songs, rhythm, sensory play and shared experiences, families can support early bilingual language development, strengthen parent-child relationships and meet other parents in a friendly, supportive setting.

☕ The Wellbeing Cultural Café offers a welcoming space where people of all ages can connect through arts and crafts, gentle movement, storytelling, conversation and live music. The programme has been designed to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and celebrate Polish culture while bringing different generations together.

Peterborough is home to one of the UK's largest Polish communities, yet many families told us they struggle to find culturally familiar spaces where they can build friendships, access support and celebrate their heritage. Polish Heart, Local Soul responds directly to those needs by creating regular opportunities for connection, learning and community participation.

Throughout the year, we'll continue listening to participants, gathering feedback and shaping the programme alongside the community to ensure it continues to reflect local needs.

We're incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and National Lottery players for making this project possible. Together, we're creating stronger connections, improving wellbeing and helping Polish families feel supported, connected and proud of their community.