Critically acclaimed reggae artist and musical director Carroll Thompson, known to her legion of fans as the “Queen of Lovers Rock”, has joined a network of 40 Community Ambassadors tasked with the responsibility of raising awareness of the Windrush Scheme and the Windrush Compensation Scheme to communities that have been affected by the Windrush issue.
In this interview with African Voice Newspaper, Carroll Thompson said, “I’ve known about the Windrush scandal for years through personal accounts from my friends, whose family members were unwittingly caught up in this tragic state of affairs.
“As a British woman with Jamaican heritage, whose parents are part of the Windrush generation, I was heartbroken and incensed to learn how my community was being treated. I desperately wanted to do something to help, but just didn’t know how. So, when I heard about the Home Office’s Windrush Community Ambassador programme I immediately jumped at the chance to get involved.”
The Windrush Scheme and the Windrush Compensation Scheme have been put in place by the Home Office to provide support to individuals that have been affected by the Windrush issue. The Windrush Scheme allows people to obtain the documentation they need to demonstrate their right to be in the UK. And the compensation scheme was created to compensate people if they suffered losses because they were not able to demonstrate their lawful right to live or work in the UK.
“Many people in the Black community aren’t even aware these schemes exist, which is why the role of Community Ambassador is so important. As not only does it authenticate the Home Office’s desires to right their wrongs, but it also allows myself and my fellow Community Ambassadors, to go out into the community and connect with, and encourage, those affected by the scandal to seek the necessary support.
Married to a Nigerian, Carroll worries that the name “Windrush” might act as a barrier to people from her husband’s community, and other West African countries such as Ghana, from seeking help. “When you think of the term Windrush you immediately associate it with those from the Caribbean who travelled to the UK on Empire Windrush in 1948, by invitation by the government. This along with negative interactions with, and perceptions of, the Home Office may also act as a deterrent. We are fully aware that financial compensation cannot erase the psychological and emotional damage caused by the scandal, but I believe these schemes are genuine, and at the very least will assist the long road to repair and recovery, and begin to make a positive impact within the community.
Carroll is no stranger to helping vulnerable members of the community. Using her song writing and vocal coaching skills she founded an adult choir for those living with mental health issues in South London.
“Growing up in the church, my Pentecostal upbringing installed in me the true value of helping others. My friends often joke that my door is always open to those that are broken, hurt or wronged – and I guess that’s true. Helping people is the very fabric of my nature. That’s why I’m so passionate about the Community Ambassador programme. If I’m able to help even one person get the support they need, then it will be a good day for me.
When asked what advice she wants to give the Black community about the schemes she says “Be brave, just be brave. I know many people are traumatised, fatigued, hurt and possibly embarrassed by what they have been through – but I want them to know there is no shame in stepping forward and receiving the help they deserve. “
To learn if you can receive help from the Windrush Scheme and the Windrush Compensation Scheme, even if you are unsure of the documents you need, visit https://windrush.campaign.gov.uk/ or call the FREE helpline 0800 678 1925 for assistance.
Anything you tell the Windrush Help Team will be treated with sensitivity and won’t be passed on to Immigration Enforcement.
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