Improving the personal wellbeing and legal position of migrants.
October 22, 2024
One powerful tool we regularly use to help people navigate the UK’s complex immigration system is a Subject Access Request (SAR). This allows individuals to request personal information held about them by organisations, including government bodies like the Home Office. Anyone has the right to make a SAR; it is free and doesn’t require legal expertise.
September 2, 2024
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.
August 20, 2024
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.
August 5, 2024
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.
June 8, 2021
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:
June 7, 2021
Our long-standing volunteer Kelly
explains why she was drawn to HMSC and the different ways in which she has
supported visitors:
June 4, 2021
Floe has done some incredible work as a Legal Support Volunteer – below she explains what a typical day of volunteering is like:
June 3, 2021
Thomas has gone above and beyond in his role as Triage Volunteer since joining HMSC in March. Below he explains why he decided to volunteer:
June 2, 2021
Triage volunteer Concetta has been working with HMSC since we opened our remote drop-in in March 2021. Here she gives an insight into the impact of her work at HMSC so far:
June 1, 2021
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:
June 1, 2021
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.
April 10, 2020
Check this page on Refugee Council website to get all the changes in Resettlement policy and practice in response to Covid-19.
January 3, 2020
On 15 December 2019, Threads Radio kindly invited HMSC to participate in a two hours programme on the work of the Centre and on general issues affecting migrants in the UK.