September 2, 2024

Casework Solidarity Forum Recap

This summer we hosted the first Casework Solidarity Forum. This brought together organisations dedicated to migrant solidarity and frontline community support from across the UK. We gathered over 70 people, mostly frontline caseworkers, from 45 different organisations across the UK to foster connection, exchange best practice and draw strength from each other. The day emphasised the critical role of caseworkers in effecting systems change, the importance of centering lived experiences, and the need for solidarity across our work. We discussed campaigning efforts and co-production as well as challenges in areas like raids, legal aid, homelessness, and asylum support. Delicious lunch by Maame T’s Kitchen kept us nourished and smiling.

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August 20, 2024

Far-right violence – Joint letter from frontline advice organisations

In response to the far-right violence that spread across the UK in August 2024, a joint letter from over 100 frontline organisations that provide advice to migrants, drafted by HMSC and JCWI, was sent to the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Justice on 20 August. It calls for politicians to end all scapegoating of migrants, dismantle the hostile environment and more. Read the full letter and list of signatories below – several organisations chose to sign the letter anonymously to prioritise their security and that of their clients.

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August 5, 2024

20 years in the UK: applying for leave to remain

In May we held a well-attended information session in our community space about the 20-year application for leave to remain. The session, led by HMSC’s immigration advisor, took participants through the process of making such an application, exploring the challenges encountered on the way. For those who were unable to join us, or anyone wanting to learn more about this long residence route, we have written up some of the session and included further information resources below.

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June 8, 2021

Volunteers Week 2021 – George

We round up our Volunteer Week celebrations by hearing from George, who has been doing vital work at HMSC as a triage volunteer. Below he explains his motivations for volunteering and the impact of the experience:

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June 1, 2021

Volunteers Week 2021 – Catherine

First up, we hear from Catherine,
who has been doing a fantastic job as a triage volunteer at HMSC since we
started operating our remote advice-line, in March 2021. Below she explains how
rewarding the experience has been:

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June 1, 2021

Introducing Volunteers Week at HMSC

Prior to the pandemic, HMSC ran a drop-in, where visitors could have a hot meal, socialise and receive advice on immigration, health and welfare. This was chiefly possible due to volunteers, committing their time and skills to ensure the success of the drop-in.

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July 16, 2019

Adowa*’s story

Adowa came to the UK from Ghana a few years ago to join her
husband. Things did now work out, and they divorced. He returned to Ghana, and
Adowa had to struggle to survive on her own. At her church, Adowa met a woman
who asked her to clean her house. Then she said Adowa could stay there in a
small room. 

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