Last updated at 09:17, Friday, 27 June 2008

A growing number of EU Nationals are choosing Maryport as their home as they travel to West Cumbria for employment. The Outreach group provide valuable help in overcoming lanugauge and cultural barriers.

• Outreach Centre Maryport Maryport Outreach centre

Maryport is proving to be a popular destination for EU nationals seeking employment as numbers heading for the west coast continue to rise. Transit within the EU has been simplified and barriers to entry removed but culture and langague still cause major problems.

Maryports Outreach centre was set up to tackle these and offer advice and support tailored to foreign immigrants setting up home in the area.

Irene Troughton, manager of the Outreach scheme described some of the problems which the centre addresses. She said: "Our role is really as a signposting agency. We might be called on to help with obtaining medical help, explaining UK laws, bank accounts or council forms. Often it will simply be a case of arranging an interpreter to assist with day to day admin."

One of the main achievements of the Outreach scheme has been in developing valuable partnerships with local organisations. Links with Councils, Citizens Advice Bureaus and the Police all help to raise awareness of the language and cultural issues facing the growing number of foreign immigrants.

Irene Troughton recognises the value of these partnerships. She said: "Without these partners we just couldn't operate. We have distributed over 5,000 welcome packs and their support has been great. It's our job to build links and trust with these organisations."

The Outreach service is available every Tuesday in Maryport library from 12 noon to 4.30 pm

First published at 10:20, Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Published by http://www.maryportlocal.co.uk