A Nottingham pastor has opened up on how the 'humility and dignity' of the Windrush Generation has inspired him in his life. Clive Foster, senior minister at the Pilgrim Church in the Meadows, set up the Windrush Response Project in 2018 to help people understand their rights, collate proof of their rights to remain in the UK as well as get compensation.
The Windrush Generation are those who arrived in the UK from a number of Caribbean countries between 1948 and 1973. In 2017, the Windrush scandal revealed many people had their landing cards destroyed and were wrongfully deported through the Government’s ‘Hostile Environment’ legislation.
Today, Wednesday, June 22, the UK will mark Windrush Day, and Pastor Foster has said he will continue to help a generation that was treated unjustly but 'gave so much to this country'. He said: "We’ve helped people get their status regulated and get access to the two main Windrush schemes which are getting status and compensation. We direct people to the Home Office and work with the Home Office on their behalf to accelerate claims.
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“People of the Windrush Generation have an entrepreneurial spirit. They were willing to work and set up their own businesses, their mindset was very professional and they wanted to better themselves, their families and fulfil their potential.
Many of the Windrush Generation worked in factories and as nurses. Clive’s own mother was an auxiliary nurse for the NHS.
Pastor Clive, who continues to help people, spoke about how people’s experiences have affected him. He continued: “I’ve found it moving and I’m inspired by the humility and dignity of people that have suffered so much. It’s a humbling experience and at times, it’s been very hard to see people wrongfully classified as illegal immigrants. These people could have been my own parents and they’ve given so much to the country.
“People come to the surgeries where they can get help and advice or one-to-one support.” On Wednesday, June 22, there will be many events to honour Windrush victims.
There will be a Civic reception at the Council House, a Windrush Lunch and a bus tour. If interested in any of these events you can email windrushnotts@gmail.com or call 0115 9865633 or 07877233117 to RSVP.
Continuing to speak about whether or not he thinks there’s still a ‘hostile environment’, Pastor Clive said: “There’s still a hostile environment, what needs to happen for people who have been unjustly classified as illegal is that the system needs to be compassionate. No amount of money can compensate for what people have suffered.
“We are supporting people who are still waiting to get compensation after numerous months - that’s unsatisfactory, it has to be faster. Many people are frustrated at how long the process is, sometimes it can be up to 18 months and we then still continue to support people in the long term.”
Similade Oni, 28 has helped with admin support ahead of the Windrush Day events. Currently studying Human Rights Injustice Law at Nottingham Trent University, Similede told Nottinghamshire Live: “To me, it’s [Windrush Day] a celebration of people and a particular culture. For me, it’s going to be enlightening.
“I hope that everyone will have fun and share experiences and for people to leave with a smile on their face. The Windrush Generation has come a long way.”
