We help survivors of the Windrush Scandal access their rights and get the compensation they deserve

Only about 20% of people who may be able to claim compensation from the Windrush Compensation Scheme have come forward. Many people feel unsure or worried about contacting the Home Office, which can stop them from asking for help.

Several years ago, the UK government admitted that it had wrongly treated many Commonwealth citizens from the Caribbean, Africa, and South Asia. People were detained, deported, and denied their legal rights. This became known as the Windrush Scandal.

To try to put things right, the government set up the Windrush Compensation Scheme to pay compensation to people who were harmed.

Thousands of people were affected, but many still feel frightened or mistrustful about applying.

Southwark Law Centre is here to support you.

We offer free, independent legal advice to help you make a claim that properly reflects what you have been through and the impact it has had on your life.

You may be able to apply if:

• You came to the UK from a Commonwealth country before 1 January 1973, or before 1 January 1988, and

• The Home Office questioned your immigration status, or

• You were refused access to services such as healthcare, housing, work, or benefits

You can also apply on behalf of a parent or grandparent, even if they have passed away.

If you are not sure whether you can claim, we can talk it through with you in confidence and help you understand your options.

We are currently closed to new referrals for a short period and hope to reopen soon. 

The Windrush Justice Clinic (WJC) is a collaboration between Southwark Law Centre and North Kensington Law Centre; the University of Westminster Legal Advice Clinic, Kings College Legal Advice Clinic, London South Bank University Legal Advice Clinic; and community groups Claudia Jones Organisation, The Windrush Compensation Project and The Jigsaw House Society.