What is this workshop about?
Everyone has a right to feel safe and welcome in a country they've lived for most of their life. The UK has become a melting pot of cultural diversity, where people from all paths of life can feel British enough. In 1948, the UK Government began inviting people from the Caribbean to the UK to help re-build the nation at the end of the war. Since then, thousands of people from Commonwealth countries have been welcomed to the UK and played an integral role in our society. But from 1973, at least 83 people have been wrongfully deported! Now, thousands of people have been, or are at risk, of being mistreated by the UK's broken immigration system.
Black South West Network wants to help people take action against this. These two crucial training workshops are tailored to help community members support their peers with applications for compensation under the Windrush Compensation Scheme.
How do I know if someone can apply for the Scheme?
You can apply if:
- You came to the UK from a Commonwealth Country before 1973
- Your parents or grandparents came to the UK from a Commonwealth country before 1973
- You came to the UK from any country before 31st December 1988 and are now settled here
- If you are a close family member of someone eligible to claim and you have had significant losses yourself
- If you are representing the estate of someone who would have been eligible.
Who is this event for?
For anybody (i.e. People from African, Asian, Caribbean, etc heritages) who would like to help their peers get compensation for the way they've been mistreated by the immigration services. There is significant money available to compensate people affected, but a lot of people do not claim it because they either think they're not eligible or because they need additional support due to the trauma they faced. If you could potentially help people with their application, or are keen to, these events are for you.
What will be covered?
Saturday the 10th of May Session: We'll explain the scheme, walk you through the Compensation application form, and equip you with the necessary knowledge about the types of information you'll need to fill out an application!
Saturday the 17th of May Session: We'll be focussing on the client-care part of supporting applicants. We'll learn a trauma-informed approach in helping people who have experienced trauma themselves, minimising the risk of re-opening traumatic memories. You'll learn where to get information from, what to do with the information you get, and how to look after both yourself and your supported person.
Please note that as community advocates, you will be supported by University of West England Law students and local law firms for the more difficult and complex cases.
Who will we hear from?
You will hear from Sharon Anthony-Tewsbury and Subira Cameron-Goppy from the Southwark Law Centre.
They will be assisted by Rachel Wood and Tamara Rundle from the UWE Law Clinic.
What else do I need to know?
BSWN will be providing refreshments, biscuits, and lunch for both sessions.
Parking and Accessibility
There is a large car park at Malcolm X Community Centre, but you will need to get a ticket for your car parking within 10 minutes of arriving even if you have a blue badge. The cost is £2.5 per hour or £10 for the whole day (24 hours). MXCC is not liable for tickets issued.
Malcolm X Community Centre is an accessible building. Please contact us for any other special requirements.
Notice of Consent
Materials from the workshops can be shared with attendees after each session. By registering for a ticket, you opt into the BSWN newsletter and give permission to be contacted regarding our future programme of events, programmes and opportunities. If you would like to be removed from this mailing list, please email us on blackswnetwork@gmail.com
