Call the Home Office hotline
If you know anyone who may be affected by the Windrush scandal the Home Office has provided a freephone number for help in finding the evidence to support a claim and getting No Time Limit permits. The number is: 0800 678 1925. The opening times are Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and on Sunday from 10am to 4pm. There is also an email address: commonwealthtaskforce@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
If you’re outside the UK you can use Skype to access the hotline for free.
Seek advice
Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants helps all those who have been affected by immigration and asylum law. There’s a specific help page and a Windrush and hostile environment campaign appeal.
The Immigration Advice Service is offering free support for anyone in the Windrush generation needing assistance.
Law Centres Network has a helpful list of local Law Centres around the UK that can help those who cannot afford a lawyer.
Positive Action in housing can offer support to people from migrant communities who may be facing homelessness.
Donate and support
A number of charities and non-governmental organisations have been helping the plight of the Windrush generation. These include:
- Law Centres Network has a list of local Law Centres around the UK that can help those who cannot afford a lawyer.
- Praxis has seen more and more cases from Windrush-era children. The charity provides advice, support and a place to meet for vulnerable migrants and refugees.
- Refugee and Migrant Centre raised the case of Paulette Wilson, who spent a week in detention because she had no papers proving she had a right to be in the UK. The charity helps people with settling and integrating into their community.
- St Mungo’s supports those experiencing homelessness. It also helps people fight to regularise their immigration status. Along with Praxis, it intervened on Winston Jones’ behalf after he ended up sleeping rough after doubts about his right to be in the country.
- Windrush Foundation highlights the African and Caribbean contribution to public service. The foundation will be commemorating the 70th anniversary this year of the arrival of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks, Essex, on 22 June 1948.
- Positive Action in housing is a homelessness and human rights charity helping refugee and migrant communities overcome poverty and homelessness to rebuild their lives. You can read more about their work here.
If you’re affected by this story and would like to share your experiences you can do so by filling in our secure form here. You can also share your stories, photos and videos with the Guardian via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44(0)7867825056.
- The Guardian has been reporting on the Windrush scandal for the past six months. You can support our independent, investigative journalism by making a financial contribution here.
