Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that Windrush survivors have access to targeted mental health support and holistic public services to address harms suffered.

The Windrush Vulnerable Persons Team (VPT), established in May 2018, provides specialist assistance to those facing urgent and complex challenges, including financial hardship, homelessness or risk of eviction, difficulty accessing public services, and mental or physical health concerns. The team also supports individuals returning to the UK who require help to resettle.

The VPT operates a multidisciplinary model, working closely with partners across central and local government, as well as employers, landlords, banks and other organisations. This collaborative approach helps remove barriers and stabilise circumstances for those experiencing vulnerability.

Where individuals face immediate hardship, the VPT can administer Urgent and Exceptional Payments to provide rapid financial support. Individuals supported by the VPT are assigned a dedicated contact trained to respond sensitively to vulnerability and trauma.

In addition, the Home Office’s Mobile Biometrics Team travels nationwide to assist people who may struggle to attend fixed sites, enabling them to provide the biometrics required to secure documentation under the Windrush Status Scheme.