EU Settlement Scheme Workshops Assisting EU Nationals Living in the UK
Since May 2019, United Legal Access has been providing free assistance to EU citizens living in the UK with their online application to the EU Settlement Scheme.
The idea to start running these sessions came, following a meeting that our founder and director, Sibon Phiri attended at the House of Commons about Brexit and the Rule of Law.
As she recalls, “I remember being sat in a room with people from different community organisations, as well as lawyers, human rights activists and other practitioners and heard concerns and discussions about fear and uncertainty in the community surrounding Brexit, migrants rights and how the Settled Status application process would affect certain groups of people.
However, not once did I hear anybody talk about how people could be helped to apply to the Scheme or places they could go for assistance and support.
As I left the House of Commons, the idea to start running drop-in sessions in the community came to mind and I decided to run with it and start something. “
Our first session was at The Place Activity Centre In Sherwood, Nottingham on Saturday 4th May 2019 and through just four sessions, we had assisted over 16 people through word of mouth and leaving leaflets at the local library.
United Legal Access then started holding drop-in sessions in Birmingham at Free@Last in Nechells on a Tuesday evening and within four sessions, assisted over 21 people.
The migrant community often faces difficulties when it comes to accessing information or services and exercising their legal rights. This could be because of language barriers, lack of knowledge and understanding of certain processes, fear, social exclusion and hostility, to name a few.
Through our work, we aim to inform, educate, empower and assist people to ensure they receive the quality advice and support they deserve and are entitled to.
If you need free legal assistance, get in touch now!