In recent years, the United Kingdom has been working diligently to provide support and assistance to vulnerable individuals and communities, particularly those affected by the complexities of Brexit and the changes in immigration policies. The latest grant funding, amounting to £32 million since 2019, aims to continue this crucial support through the spring of 2025. This funding is dedicated to a network of organizations, empowering them to assist various vulnerable groups, including individuals with disabilities, the elderly, isolated individuals, children, and victims of domestic violence or abuse. The primary objective is to help these individuals apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and ensure they secure their rights in the UK, including the transition from pre-settled to settled status.
Supporting Vulnerable Communities
The grant funding provided by the Home Office has already had a significant impact, benefiting over 490,000 vulnerable people in their application process for the EU Settlement Scheme. This initiative offers a lifeline to individuals who may otherwise struggle to navigate the complex immigration system and safeguard their rights post-Brexit.
The network of grant-funded organizations and their delivery partners play a pivotal role in providing support. They work in collaboration with charities, community groups, and local authorities across the UK to offer a comprehensive support system. One such service is the Assisted Digital service, which caters to individuals who lack digital access or skills, ensuring they can apply for settled status online.
Voices from the Organizations
Barbara Drozdowicz, CEO of the East European Resource Centre, extends her heartfelt appreciation for the generous support received from the Home Office. The organization has been providing essential assistance to disadvantaged and vulnerable Eastern Europeans since 2019. Over the past four years, they have helped thousands of individuals by providing information, advice, casework, and reaching out to isolated communities. The continued support allows them to sustain and expand this vital service, as welfare, well-being, and quality of life now depend on holding the correct immigration status—a challenging process for vulnerable sections of the community.
Louise Humphries, Chief Executive Officer of GYROS, shares their delight in receiving funding from the Home Office. GYROS eagerly anticipates the opportunity to support vulnerable EU nationals in securing their settled status over the next two years. This support will empower individuals to build stable lives in the UK, free from the uncertainties caused by Brexit.
Rhys Evans, Project Lead and Service and Development Manager at Settled (Wales), expresses their gratitude for being granted Home Office funding for EUSS advice work in Wales. The partnership with TGP Cymru allows them to expand their much-needed free, accredited, and multilingual advice services to EU/EEA citizens residing in Wales. They are committed to focusing on particularly vulnerable groups, such as Roma communities, individuals facing homelessness, survivors of domestic abuse, people with physical or mental health conditions, and those with language, literacy, or digital exclusion barriers.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
