"Every need has a face, every story a voice"

These are real experiences - only the names have been changed to protect privacy.

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                                                                                  🔶 TESTIMONIAL 1 - ANNA 🔶 
I am 45 years old, working part-time and I have an adult independent daughter. I recently escaped a long-term abusive relationship. My ex-husband disappeared, leaving me with a huge amount of debt – a joint mortgage, credit card bills, loans and unpaid electricity, gas and council tax. During our relationship, he was responsible for paying the bills, so I didn’t realize the debt was piling up. For about 10 months, I couldn’t face dealing with it because of the stress of the separation. Then I found the PFSC online and asked for help. They checked my benefits and discovered I was entitled to Universal Credit and a 25% council tax discount since I live alone. They contacted my bank and negotiated a lower mortgage rate. They also helped me arrange repayment plans with the council and my energy providers. Now I feel much happier knowing my debts are under control. I appreciated the in-person and phone appointments that kept everything moving, and I was relieved to have someone speak on my behalf when I couldn’t. I was also referred to psychological services to improve my wellbeing.

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🔶 TESTIMONIAL 2 - MARIA 🔶

I am 39 years old, a single mother working part-time, raising my 10-year-old daughter. I wasn’t happy with another advice office – they rushed me, didn’t explain things properly and didn’t respect my need for time. A friend recommended this organization and it was the best choice. I needed help applying for Personal Independence Payment. They guided me through the application and interpreted my assessment. I received PIP and was very pleased. Since 2020, I’ve been a regular client because I speak very little English. I rely on them for serious matters like contacting my bank or completing applications. Once, when I collapsed in Poland due to health problems, I realized my EHIC card had expired. They immediately helped me apply for a new one and when I was discharged, the hospital costs were fully covered. That saved me a lot of stress. The Welfare Advice Officer also patiently teaches me how to do things myself – like making bank payments, replying to emails or searching online. I admitted I am digitally illiterate, which made me anxious but with their support I’ve gained confidence and skills to manage these tasks.

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🔶 TESTIMONIAL 3 - ADAM 🔶​

I am 55 years old and work full-time. My English is basic, and I struggled to write a CV. Since I am a skilled worker in a narrow field, I needed to present my abilities well. The organization helped me create a CV that fit my needs and I quickly found a job. I returned several times to talk with the Welfare Advice Officer, even about family matters. I wasn’t ready for official therapy but I trusted her and found comfort in those conversations. After a few years in Scotland, I eventually returned to Poland and I believe their support made my stay much smoother.

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🔶 TESTIMONIAL 4 - ROBERT 🔶 

I am 66 years old, retired but working part-time. Since 2019, I’ve been visiting the organization every couple of weeks to check my correspondence and make sure everything is sorted, because my English is basic. They’ve helped me with many issues – insurance and garage problems after a car accident, switching energy providers, explaining why my ESA was stopped, and even making phone calls to Poland about my bank. I feel secure knowing I can discuss everything in Polish and that my matters are handled properly.

 

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🔶 TESTIMONIAL 5 - EWA 🔶 

I am 28 years old. My boyfriend referred me to the organization because I was struggling with anxiety, depression and hearing voices. I found it hard to leave home. I started intensive therapy with weekly sessions and after a few months I felt encouraged and more positive. My mood improved, the voices stopped and I began going for walks without panic attacks. My boyfriend also realized he needed help, so he started therapy too. Now we attend sessions at the same time with different specialists. We communicate better, feel happier and our relationship has grown stronger.

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🔶 TESTIMONIAL 6 - MAGDA 🔶 

I am 14 years old. After the lockdown, I became extremely stressed and refused to go to school. I couldn’t focus, stopped talking to my peers, and wouldn’t leave the house. My parents tried to help by accompanying me on the bus or driving me, but it only worked temporarily. At home, there was tension, and I felt anger from them. At first, I was quiet and reluctant to talk in sessions. Over time, I opened up about my relationship with my parents and the situations that caused me anxiety. I learned to express my emotions. My parents also had sessions and admitted they needed counselling too. Gradually, I felt better. I started going out more, walking my dogs, and found hobbies like horse riding and knitting. I attend riding classes every three weeks and plan to start college in January. I continue counselling and enjoy it. I am happy to say I no longer self-harm.

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🔶 TESTIMONIAL 7 - PARENTS OF MIKOLAJ 🔶 ​​

Our son is 12 years old. In Poland, he was diagnosed with selective mutism and barely spoke. We were extremely worried. He started intensive therapy. After a year, everything changed – now he attends High School and manages well. When we visit the organization, he talks, jokes and shares stories. We’ve got a completely different child.

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🔶 TESTIMONIAL 8 - THE KOWALSKI FAMILY 🔶 ​​

We are a family – father, mother and a 17-year-old son. We sought counselling because of our son’s troubling behaviour. We attended weekly sessions, discussed our issues and resolved conflicts. We also realized our 15-year-old daughter needed support. The psychologist began working with her too. After several months of therapy, our whole family improved. We communicate better and pay more attention to each other.

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🔶 TESTIMONIAL 9 - THE MALINOWSKI FAMILY 🔶 ​

We reached out in desperation because of mounting debt. My husband lost his job and struggled to find work, while I was on sick leave. The Welfare Advice Officer quickly acted, calling the bank and creditors to arrange repayment plans. She also noticed we were fragile emotionally and suggested counselling. This mix of practical help and emotional support worked wonders. My husband regained self-esteem and I became more willing to face our situation. We not only managed our debt but also improved our wellbeing. We also used Food Bank which was a great help.​

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🔶 TESTIMONIAL 10 - MALWINA & PARTNER 🔶 ​

We are new parents with a baby. We realized we needed support for our relationship and started couples counselling. The psychologist recommended individual therapy for both of us to address past issues that blocked our communication. We were referred to a psychotherapist. We also received guidance from the Welfare Advice Officer about benefits available in Scotland for our baby. I began borrowing books from the Polish Library regularly, which shows I take care of myself and spend time in the real world instead of only on social media.