![](https://cdn-wlvacuk.terminalfour.net/media/departments/digital-content-and-communications/images-2024/UWR-team-(teaser-photo).jpg)
University secures £24,000 for Windrush legal and arts project
![University secures £24,000 for Windrush legal and arts project](https://cdn-wlvacuk.terminalfour.net/media/departments/digital-content-and-communications/images-18-19/210426-Windrush-Legal-Advice-Clinic-1.jpg)
University of Wolverhampton and Windrush Legal Advice Clinic (WLAC) will receive over £24,000 to raise awareness of the Windrush Schemes, the Home Secretary announced recently.
The University is one of 13 organisations to receive funding through the £500,000 Windrush Community Fund which allows community and grassroots organisations to bid up to £25,000 to deliver projects to help raise awareness of the Windrush Scheme (documentation) and Windrush Compensation Scheme.
The University project will raise awareness by giving voice, through art, design and media, to the narratives of successful Windrush compensation applicants. The project will give affected people the confidence to engage with government departments regarding claims. They will signpost and proactively promote avenues for support whilst allaying fears around access.
University of Wolverhampton and the WLAC will raise awareness by staging local awareness events run in conjunction with the University’s Art and Law faculties.
Maureen Mitchell Co-founder WLAC said: “We are delighted to have secured funding in partnership with University of Wolverhampton from the Windrush Community Fund.
“We are keen to play our part and feel honoured to be able to raise much needed awareness so that we can help our community across the Black Country secure the compensation they need.”
The University of Wolverhampton is one of a small number of Law Schools working with the Windrush Clinic and its own Wolverhampton Law School Legal Advice Service to offer free legal advice to those individuals affected by the Windrush Saga. The grant will cover the Windrush Clinic and pay for artwork to be developed by the University of Wolverhampton School of Arts to promote the national campaign.
Professor Clare Schofield, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Business, Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “We are delighted to have secured funding from the Windrush Community Fund.
“We are keen to play our part to help those in our community here in the Black Country get the help they need.
“It’s so important that everyone eligible for compensation is able to get it, as it could make a big difference to their lives so we look forward to supporting those affected.”
This comes on the same day that the new statistics show over £41 million has been paid or offered to the Windrush generation through the Compensation Scheme. Over £35 million has been paid to 940 members of the Windrush Generation.
Minister for Safe and Legal Migration, Kevin Foster said: “This is another significant landmark and shows we are delivering on our commitment to those who are owed compensation. Since the scheme was overhauled, we have been able to get more money out more quickly.
“However, I know there is more to do and I will not rest until everyone who was wronged by successive governments has received what is now due to them.
“That is why the Community Fund is so important, to increase the number of people we can reach and encourage to apply for compensation.”
This is the second round of funding which has being awarded from the £500,000 Community Fund. The 13 organisations selected to receive money from the Fund have been chosen to reach different groups of people in different areas across the country. The department has worked with the independent grant administrator, Voice4Change-England and the Windrush Working Group on the fund.
The first round of funding was allocated in April 2021 and 14 organisations received funding. One of the organisations which received funding was Collage Arts, a charity which have produced animations and videos which have been promoted on radio and social channels. It’s specifically been looking to engage a younger audience, empowering them to support older members of the community.
Phase 1 project delivery continues with some unique and innovative projects including links with local museums, infomercials and community events to both engage communities and raise awareness of the Windrush Schemes. Further information on Phase 1 projects can be found at Windrush Community Fund Phase 1: projects - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Windrush Compensation Statistics: Windrush Compensation Scheme data: December 2021 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Anyone looking to study at the University of Wolverhampton should register for one of our forthcoming Open Days.
ENDS
For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.