A POT of £314,094 will help Polish and Portuguese people living in Somerset get better access to key services.

The cash, passed on by the Government from a levy on non-European Union migrants and students, will help non-English speakers with services such as the police, education and mental health.

The scheme includes hiring Polish-speaking Police Community Support Officers; signposting basic services such as health, housing and social care; free interpreting services for schools; ensuring migrants know how to access mental health services.

Chief Superintendent Nikki Watson, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “In Somerset we have some diverse communities and together with our partners we share a desire to serve all aspects of our society.

“This money will help us to make sure that as many people as possible are aware of the services available to them and that they feel confident using them."

Projects to be implemented by the partnership agencies over the coming months include: *Polish liaison PCSOs working with Polish communities to build trust and confidence in the police, reduce fear of crime and improve dialogue.

*Community Link Workers for Polish and Portuguese-speaking communities to introduce and signpost migrant workers to basic services such as health, housing and social care, establish a migrant workers’ forum and appoint a part-time English teacher.

*support workers for 14 to 19-year-old migrant backgrounds to meet together, ensure greater participation in mainstream activities and help them apply for school and college places.

*mental health qualified support workers to support migrant worker communities.