Community Engagement Fund
The Home Office Community Engagement Fund is a vital resource for Commonwealth members, particularly those impacted by the Windrush scandal. Navigating the documentation and compensation process is complex and daunting.
We have learned that within some affected BME communities, social circles can be very insular, with women often further marginalised by introversion, religious norms, or limited literacy. Directly raising awareness within these spaces is therefore critical.
The fund enables support, ensuring individuals are referred to the right help and accompanied throughout their journey. Organisations like the Croydon BME Forum exemplify this invaluable work, actively raising awareness and providing direct assistance within these communities.
The Windrush Scandal: Support & Compensation
A Brief History
Between 1948 and 1971, the British government invited thousands of people from Caribbean countries (like Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad) to help rebuild post-war Britain. Known as the Windrush generation (named after the ship HMT Empire Windrush), these individuals had the legal right to live and work in the UK permanently.
Despite their contributions, many later faced unjust treatment due to lost or destroyed immigration records. From 2012, harsh new rules required people to prove their residency—but without paperwork, members of the Windrush generation were wrongly:
- Denied healthcare, jobs, or housing.
- Detained or even deported to countries they hadn’t seen in decades.
Justice & Compensation
In 2018, the UK government apologised and launched the Windrush Compensation Scheme to repay those affected for their losses and suffering. However, applying can be complex, and many are still waiting for fair outcomes.
How We Can Help
Croydon BME Forum offers free, confidential support to Windrush applicants in Croydon, including:
- Guidance on eligibility for compensation.
- Assistance with filling out application forms.
- Signposting to legal advice or other services.
For further details, please see the attached flyer or contact:
Phone: 07923 990644
Email: windrush@bmeforum.org | johnbie@bmeforum.org
Follow: @CBME_WINDRUSH on Instragram
Whatsapp: 07923990644
Windrush Stories
Organisation
Contact Details
Windrush Justice Clinic
Email: windrush@law.ac.uk
Phone: 020 3435 4608
Croydon BME Forum
Email: info@croydonbmeforum.org
Phone: 020 8684 3719.
South West London Law Centres (Croydon Branch)
Email: advice@swllc.org
Phone: 020 8767 2777
Croydon Community Against Racism (CCAR)
Email: info@ccar.org.uk
Phone: 07495 033 241 (mobile)
Croydon African Caribbean Family Organisation (CACFO)
Phone: 020 8127 4550
Mandala Community Services