Shared Stories

Poland is the only EU country with a full-time diplomatic presence in Northern Ireland. For two years, Mariusz Stus* led the Polish Consulate in Belfast, fostering strong ties with the Polish diaspora and promoting Polish culture. Known for his approachability, Mariusz shares the highlights of his tenure as Consul General of Poland in Belfast in this exclusive interview.

In this inspiring video, we sit down with Anita Hope, who moved from Poland to Northern Ireland in 2005 with her then-fiancé, now husband, in search of better life. Anita shares her incredible journey from working as a shop assistant in a small market in Poland to realising her long-held dream of becoming a professional photographer. She delves into the challenges and triumphs of starting a photography business in Northern Ireland, highlighting how her new environment provided the perfect backdrop for her creative aspirations to flourish. Join us as Anita recounts her story of perseverance, passion, and the beautiful blend of cultural experiences that have shaped her family's life in Northern Ireland.

Join us for an insightful interview with Arkady Rzegocki, the Polish Ambassador to Ireland. Serving from September 2023 to July 2024, Ambassador Rzegocki has played a crucial role in enhancing cultural and economic ties between Poland and Ireland. Drawing on his extensive diplomatic experience, including his tenure as the Polish Ambassador to the UK, he shares his expertise on cultural diplomacy and the significance of Polish-Irish relations. Don't miss this exclusive conversation filmed on the eve of his departure from Ireland.

Ever wondered how the wave of Polish migration to Northern Ireland started? Dive into the fascinating backstory of how local recruitment agencies, like Grafton Recruitment, played a pivotal role in filling the labour market gaps. In 2004, many local factories struggled to find full-time staff. Recruitment agencies expanded their search to include new EU states, focusing on Poland. Discover how Grafton Recruitment, with its Polish branch, brought thousands of skilled Polish workers to the UK, Ireland, and Northern Ireland. Join us as Ken Belshaw, co-founder of Grafton Recruitment, shares his personal experiences and insights into this historical migration process. Don't miss this intriguing story!

Join us for an insightful interview with Ignacy, who arrived in Northern Ireland as a child and has since forged a diverse and impressive career. With degrees in Biomedical Science and Law, Ignacy’s journey took him to the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Belfast, where he engaged in significant cross-cultural initiatives, including Polish Saturday Schools and promoting the historical contributions of Poles in Northern Ireland. Now employed at Baker McKenzie Belfast Centre, Ignacy is eager to share his experiences of adapting to a new environment, overcoming challenges, and making the most out of every opportunity. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from someone who has successfully navigated both educational and professional landscapes while maintaining strong cultural ties.

What began as a quick way to raise funds for higher education became the start of Artur's professional football coaching career, facing top names in European football. Shortly after arriving in Northern Ireland, Artur Kopyt followed his passion for football, playing at all levels from casual games in Ormeau Park to competing in the NIFL Premiership. His professional career took off as he became a football coach, gaining experience with Sparta Belfast and running a Polish youth program for Glentoran FC. After 15 fruitful years in Northern Ireland, Artur moved on to an assistant coach role at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, one of Belgium's most successful teams. He is now building his legacy on both national and international levels, including this year's Europa League competition.

Join us as we dive into the inspiring academic journey of Professor Piotr Blumczynski, who brought his exceptional skills and knowledge to Northern Ireland in 2010. Currently a professor at the Centre for Translation and Interpreting, Queen’s University Belfast, Piotr has significantly contributed to the fields of Translation and Intercultural Studies both locally and internationally. In this video, Piotr shares his experiences of moving to Northern Ireland, his extensive involvement in research projects and his impactful roles at Queen's University Belfast.

Join us as we explore the incredible journey of Ewa Grosman, CEO of the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building and founder of the Fellowship Programme in Northern Ireland. From advising in the House of Lords to launching Polish Cultural Week and combating hate crime, Ewa’s achievements are extraordinary. Dive into her story of leadership, cultural diplomacy, and her passion for promoting Polish culture. Discover her two-decade experience shaping Northern Ireland’s cultural landscape. Don’t miss this inspiring tale of dedication and impact!

Join us as we sit down with Jeremiasz Ojrzyński at the Belfast Exposed Gallery during the 2024 MFA exhibition to discuss his multifaceted journey in Northern Ireland. Jeremiasz first arrived in Northern Ireland as a volunteer for an international charity and later returned to pursue his MFA in Photography at the University of Ulster. In this candid interview, Jeremiasz shares his experiences and insights from an international student’s perspective. He delves into the nuances of local culture and how his time in Belfast has profoundly shaped his understanding of space and people. Don’t miss this insightful conversation to learn more about his unique journey and the artistic contributions showcased in the MFA exhibition.

Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Iwona Rejczak, who initially arrived in Northern Ireland with a plan to support her family in Poland. Over two decades later, Iwona has established herself as a passionate advocate and leader within the Polish community. Discover how she co-founded the Polish Community Association Belfast and her tireless efforts in promoting and supporting her community. See why she now calls Northern Ireland her forever home and be inspired by her story of dedication and heritage.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Joanna Pusz , a talented dance instructor who turned her dreams into reality. Discover how Joanna, came to Northern Ireland in 2014 and embraced the vibrant student life before fulfilling her passion for dance. Learn about the importance of the first dance in Polish wedding traditions and how Joanna helps couples transform their grand entrance into a magical moment. Whether you’re preparing for your wedding or just love the art of dance, you’ll find joy and inspiration in Joanna’s story!

Welcome to the heart of East Belfast! Discover Wolf Pack Boxing Club, nestled on Newtownards Road, where dreams take shape and determination knows no bounds. Run by the passionate Coach Michał Wiśniewski, Wolf Pack Boxing Club isn’t just a gym; it’s a haven for young souls striving for something greater. Michal’s vision is simple yet powerful: to foster a space brimming with energetic youth focused on sport, discipline, and character-building. Join us as we dive into the daily grind of Michał's life, where hard work and perseverance are the cornerstones of success. Witness firsthand the efforts to offer youth an alternative to screen time, steering them toward personal growth and physical fitness. Whether you’re a boxing enthusiast or simply in search of inspiration, Wolf Pack Boxing Club promises a story of transformation and grit. Step inside, get inspired, and maybe even throw a punch or two!

In this heartfelt video, we sit down with Monika Dike , the passionate owner of the beloved Smokey Deli in East Belfast. Join us as Monika shares her inspiring journey of opening the business, the challenges she faced in keeping it alive, and her plans for the future as she prepares to close this cherished community space. After years of resiliently fighting to keep the business afloat, Monika has made the difficult decision to wrap it up. With just a few more days left before closing the doors, we are thrilled to give Monika the platform to reminisce about the positive and not-so-positive memories that have defined Smokey Deli. Whether you're a long-time supporter of this unique deli or discovering it for the first time, Monika’s story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the impact of community.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Magdalena Załęcka, a bibliophile who transformed her love for books into a fulfilling career. After moving to Northern Ireland in 2018, Magdalena found her place in the charming village of Moira, where she embraced the role of a librarian. Her surroundings and experiences in this quaint setting sparked the creation of her debut novel, published in 2024. In this exclusive interview, Magdalena shares her passion for literature, her captivating journey from librarian to author, and how the vibrant culture of Northern Ireland influenced her writing. She also reveals how a recent hurricane became the unexpected muse for her upcoming book. Don’t miss this heartwarming story of dreams and creativity, where Magdalena opens up about living in a new country and finding inspiration in every corner.

Dive into the electrifying journey of Mateusz Wiśniewski, a passion-driven volleyball powerhouse. After swapping his Polish roots for Northern Ireland's shores in 2009, life seemed typical. However, the familiar rhythm of a volleyball set his heart racing again. From dominating local courts as the Most Valuable Player to steering his team toward a string of NI league victories, Mateusz's story doesn't stop there. He took a daring leap from player to mentor, piloting the Fireblades Women's team to national fame. Now, as the head coach of Northern Ireland's Women Volleyball Team, Mateusz isn't just dreaming — he's on a mission to elevate Northern Ireland to the forefront of European volleyball. Go behind the scenes of Mateusz's thrilling saga and witness how he's rewriting Northern Ireland's volleyball legacy one set at a time!

Dive into the remarkable journey of Artur, who transformed his life from a kitchen porter into one of Northern Ireland’s most celebrated chefs. Despite having no prior kitchen experience, Artur’s drive and passion led him to claim the title of Independent Chef of the Year in 2023 and win 'Come Dine with Me: The Professionals' Northern Ireland edition. In this captivating interview, Artur shares candid insights about his humble beginnings, the transformative power of Northern Ireland’s culinary scene, and his thrilling vision to revolutionise local gastronomy with vibrant and diverse flavours.

Join us as we delve into Monika Zimińska - Kiżuk's remarkable journey—from starting as a production operator in a food factory to becoming a recognised bioengineering professional in Northern Ireland. Originally planning just a short stint, Monika found her place in a new homeland, earning a PhD from Queen's University Belfast and managing multi-million-pound projects. Discover the perseverance and dedication it took for Monika to transition through diverse roles, including warehouse operative, cashier, waitress, and admin, while also supporting the Polish community between 2006-2012 with translation and admin services. Learn how these experiences shaped her professional and personal life. Living in the charming seaside town of Bangor, Monika continues to thrive alongside her Polish husband and two children. Her story is not just one of career success, but also of community spirit and resilience.