Support

Making an application for registration as a British Citizen under section 4L of the British Nationality Act 1981 on the basis that you would, or would have been able to become, a British citizen but for historical legislative unfairness; an act or omission of a public authority; or exceptional circumstances relating to you

Please see the link below for guidance on eligibility before making an application:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-registration-as-a-british-citizen-form-ard/guidance-on-registering-as-a-british-citizen-form-ard-accessible

Making an application for Citizenship under the Windrush Scheme

If you’re settled in the UK but have no evidence to prove it, you might be eligible to apply to the Windrush Scheme. Please see the link below for more information:

https://www.gov.uk/windrush-prove-your-right-to-be-in-the-uk

Apply to the Windrush Compensation Scheme

You may be able to claim compensation if you suffered losses because you could not show that you had a right to live in the UK. Please see the link below for further information:

Apply to the Windrush Compensation Scheme: Overview – GOV.UK

Making a complaint to the Home Office

If you would like to make a formal complaint, you can do so through the Home Office’s central complaints procedure (this is independent of my office). Please see the link below for further information:

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office/about/complaints-procedure

Looking after your wellbeing

These processes can be emotionally challenging. If you feel overwhelmed or would like support, the following organisations may be able to help:

Samaritans: www.samaritans.org | Phone: 116 123
Mind: www.mind.org.uk | Phone: 0300 123 3393
Every Mind Matters: www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters

The Home Office Windrush Help Team also has a Vulnerable Persons Team who can work with other agencies (such as DWP, NHS, local
authorities, and more) to help remove barriers and reduce negative impacts.
To contact them:
Phone: 0800 678 1925 (free) – Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
Email: WindrushCompensationScheme@homeoffice.gov.uk

Seeking Immigration Advice

If you wish to seek immigration advice or require support with identifying the correct forms:

Find an immigration adviser: Search for an adviser – GOV.UK

Support from the Ombudsman

If you have applied for compensation and have completed both the internal Tier 1 review and the independent Tier 2 review but remain dissatisfied, or if you have exhausted the Home Office’s internal complaints process, you can ask your local MP to refer your case to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman:

https://www.ombudsman.org.uk/
Find your MP – MPs and Lords – UK Parliament

Practical support and advocacy

If you need help understanding the compensation process or gathering evidence, organisations funded through the Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund may be able to assist. They provide free, culturally sensitive support and can signpost you to other services. To be connected to an organisation near you, contact the Home Office Windrush Help Team:

Phone: 0800 678 1925 (free) – Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
Email: WindrushCompensationScheme@homeoffice.gov.uk

The 10 successful organisations span England, Wales and Scotland, ensuring support reaches Windrush communities nationwide. Advocates will help applicants gather supporting evidence, signpost them to additional services and create trusted environments where victims can share their experiences. The successful organisations for year 1 funding are:

Race Council Cymru
Bristol Black Carers
Ultra Education CIC
Mojatu Foundation
Greatway Foundation
Make More Community CIC
Birthmark of Africa
FORgiving CIC
Sian Computers Community Initiative CIC
Legal Advice Clinic – University of Leicester