UEL Partnership and Client Update:
Students from the University of East London have been shadowing our Immigration Advisor at consultations every two weeks and are receiving briefings about the immigration law and practice.
During their recent session on 23rd March, the students were not only observing consultation, but also interacting with the clients. One student volunteered to provide interpretation and the other helped to comfort the client and her daughter. As always, the case was discussed the case before and after the meeting.
The client recently lost her husband, which has had a significant impact on her immigration situation. Although the client is entitled to apply for settlement/indefinite leave to remain on this basis, she does not have the funds to cover the cost (£4800) for the applications to the Home Office for her and her daughter.
A few weeks ago, the client was granted access to public funds, yet she wasn’t referred or signposted anywhere to receive assistance with applying for benefits, however she was advised by her support worker to seek help from her neighbour instead. The client receives medical treatment for depression and is in no position to further her matter in any direction independently.
The students have gained a better understanding of our clients’ multiple needs, which often requires close cooperation with other projects within our charity, as well as with external organisations, to ascertain that clients’ needs are addressed adequately and comprehensively.
The client will be referred to Community Links for a financial assessment; she will also receive food vouchers from our Community Hub and will be registered with our Food Bank. Bridging the support before any benefits are awarded will help to prevent destitution.
The client has also been left with a debt of over £2000 on her deceased husband’s credit card and further referral might need to be made to Our Newham Money, depending on the position of the bank. The client might also be facing eviction.
We could potentially make a referral to our local authority to prevent homelessness, once any eviction notice is served. The client could also benefit from our English classes, via our Training and Education project, in the future to help with integration.
Sylwia, our Immigration Advisor, will be focusing on providing immigration support, but the financial aspect of the matter might jeopardise the clients’ chances of obtaining settlement early.
