The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A group that’s helping EU citizens in the area with their claims for settled status has received a financial boost as it looks to start head-to-head consultations.
There’s only a few weeks for EU, EEA (European Economic Area) or Swiss citizens to complete the paperwork to be allowed to work in the UK.
Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire has been running the EU Settlement Scheme to help them to gain the settled or pre-settled status ahead of the June 30 deadline.
Many employers have already worked with their employees to make sure they have made their applications successfully, but the team at Citizens Advice are now reaching out to those people who are in danger of slipping through the net, either because they may not realise they need to apply, or they struggle with IT and communication, or they might be vulnerable in some way. Interpreters are available if needed, and the advice service is completely free to all.
Up till now, all the work has had to be done on the phone or online, but since April 12 face to face meetings with partner organisations have become a possibility.
“We are very excited that from April 12 we are planning to go out into the community and talk face to face with organisations working in the region, such as the prison service, care homes, and foodbanks.” said Miranda Girdlestone, project manager.
“We are able to offer a completely free advice service, and we can help everyone navigate their way through the application process.
“Sometimes people are not aware that children under 16 also need to apply for settled status, and we want to make sure also that those people with mental health issues are supported.
“Our message to everybody in the county is – if you know of anyone who may not realise they need to apply for settled or pre-settled status, then please do help them to contact us.”
The EUSS team can be contacted on 0800 448 0734, between 9.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday, or by email at eussreferral@citizensadvicesouthlincs.org.uk
On the website www.citizensadvicesouthlincs.org.uk there is an online form to complete if people need help with their application, and an adviser will contact them within three days.
