Jadwiga Serafin did not expect to be offered any support following the tragic death of her three-year-old son.
When little Eryk drowned after being swept into the Firth of Forth by a freak wave, the 28-year-old single mum from Krakow assumed she would be blamed for the accident.
She even admitted that her guilt about the decision to take her children to the Esplanade on that fateful day almost drove her to take her own life
But in her darkest hour, charity Fife Migrants Forum became a tower of strength, translating for the emergency services, taking care of paperwork and setting up Polish-speaking counselling sessions.
Jadwiga said: ”At first I thought people would be angry with me. I thought I had done something wrong. I didn’t think anyone would want to help, but I was so pleased when they did.”
Marta Burtan, one of the forum’s volunteers, worked closely with Jadwiga. The 21-year-old student said: ”As soon as we found out about the accident we wanted to see what we could do.
”When I first went to see Jadwiga after it happened I was so scared. I was worried I’d say the wrong thing. It was a horrible situation for her.
”I found it very difficult and I was always trying not to cry. Of course, I had to stay strong for Jadwiga and Oliwia. But when I went home at night I was often upset.”
Forum chairman Maciej Dokurno, added: ”It was a difficult time for all of us. We actually had to offer counselling to our volunteers, because it was so traumatic. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for the family.”
Fife Migrants Forum in Kirkcaldy offers practical and emotional support for people who fall on hard times after settling in the region.
Maciej said: ”In Jadwiga’s case, we liaised with police in the very early stages, recognising that there is a language barrier. We also helped with all the paperwork that you have to do when someone dies. We took care of all of that.
”We then arranged for a Polish-speaking counsellor to meet with Jadwiga and her daughter. We also set up a book of condolences, which a lot of people came up and signed. There were a lot of young parents and some teachers. I remember that many of them were in pieces.
”The forum very much became a focal point for people who wanted to offer support and grieve for Eryk.”
Jadwiga has heaped praise on the forum, describing volunteers as ”amazing”.
She said: ”Fife Migrants Forum helped me so much. They did everything for me. And Marta has become a real friend. She was calling me every day after it happened. We’re still in touch regularly.
”If not for Fife Migrants Forum, I don’t know what I’d have done. I’ve also had great support from Fife Gingerbread, Home-Start Kirkcaldy and Fife Women’s Aid. I’m so grateful for all of the help. It’s been beautiful.”Find out more about Fife Migrants Forum at www.fifemigrantsforum.org.uk