Empower Slough
Empower Slough
The Empower Slough project is an issue-based Advocacy service with a community focus , working in partnership with individuals to promote their rights and supporting their views to be heard.
Empower Slough is also committed to the ethos of growing stronger communities and resilience, promoting self-development, to improve the health and wellbeing of residents.
Empower Slough will also be offering clinic based, peer and group Advocacy opportunities.
What can an Advocate do?
*They can work in partnership with you, listen to your concerns and help you clarify your issues.
*They can ensure you know your rights and how to use them
*Help you identify the choices you have and explore their possible consequences.
*Support you to make an informed decision about a course of action that you are happy with.
*Signpost you to other local services that may be of benefit.
*Encourage and empower you to speak up for yourself.
What can you do ?
*You can volunteer with us to become an Empower Slough Champion!
Give your time and potential translation skills so that when we support clients via the Advocacy Hub and Peer groups or even our generic service, you can help us help others in your community
If you feel your community group or organisation would benefit from having Empower Slough attend your meetings/events or would like further information regarding working in Partnership please email empower.slough@matrixsdt.com
Slough Local Resources
Slough Family services guide
https://www.sloughfamilyservices.org.uk/kb5/sloughcst/directory/home.page
Supporting People with E-visas
What is an e-visa?
An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. You will need to create a UKVI account to be able to access your eVisa.
Updating your physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK.
The benefits of eVisas include:
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they are secure and cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with, unlike a physical document
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you will not need to wait for, or collect, a physical document after your application is decided – you might still need to provide biometric information in person, and we will tell you if you need to do this
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it will be quicker and easier to prove your status at the UK border, and share your status with third parties like employers and landlords
Online immigration status (eVisa) - GOV.UK
Get access to your eVisa: Overview - GOV.UK
The advice to give:
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Watch the Home Office videos:
Online immigration status (eVisa): help videos - GOV.UK
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You do not have to pay anyone to help you to do this
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Try for yourself – are there friends or family that can help?
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Ask at faith group or other support to assist (ESOL classes, employment support etc)
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Signpost to specialist organisations if necessary. A criteria will apply to receive support
List of organisations - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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Once successful, can they assist someone else? (Pay it forward)
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Ensure people are clear about what they need if they are planning to travel over the next 6 months
How to travel with your eVisa (video) - GOV.UK
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Keep the original BRP card
What is needed to create an account?
You will need:
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access to a smartphone
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a mobile phone number
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an email address
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your BRP card or a valid passport with your BRP number or visa application number
Some people are finding it easier to use a computer and a smart phone
Trouble shooting:
The answer to most common problems can be found using a google search.
This is particularly true when it comes to issues of scanning the chip with a smart phone; there are many videos on YouTube which explain what to do.
There is also a web chat function:
What else can we do?
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Ask people if they know about the change to e-Visas
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Display posters and share on your social media
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Encourage people to find informal support
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Consider how you can provide practical support for people who need it
Local Housing Surgeries
Fit Note Reform:
The Government are reforming fit notes to help people get the right work and health support when they need it, as well as helping free up time for GPs.
Share your views on their plans by taking part in a call for evidence, which is also available in British Sign Language, braille, audio, large print and easy read versions.
https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/fit-note-reform-call-for-evidence