Information sessions for citizens and organisations
Information is vital to make sure people enjoy their rights. This is why in our organisation we place special emphasis on our outreach activity. We organise online and face-to-face information sessions about the EU Settlement Scheme and the impact of Brexit on EU citizens rights for different audiences.
Since our foundation, we have organised more than 70 information sessions, visited more than 30 locations in Scotland and spoke to hundreds of EU citizens, employers, local authorities and third sector organisations.
Outreach and drop-in clinics for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and their family members
These sessions are aimed at informing attendees of the measures they need to take in order to remain in Scotland after Brexit.
Although not exclusively, we organise this type of session focusing on three main sectors:
EU citizens living outside of Scotland’s central belt
EU citizens, anywhere in Scotland, requiring interpretation
Vulnerable EU citizen groups and individuals, throughout Scotland.
This type of support is extremely important for EU citizens in Scotland who are concerned about what would happen to their rights after Brexit. As we know from our previous outreach and information work, there are still many EU citizens who are not sure about how to apply, have faced difficulties in making application or simply don’t know that they have to undergo this process to reside legally in the UK after 30/06/2021.
In these sessions, attendees learn what the EU Settlement Scheme is; when and how to apply; their rights as an EU citizen living in Scotland; and services and resources to support them.
Depending on the type and length of the event, attendees needing help with the application process can either book individual appointments with a trained OISC Level 1 (limited to the EUSS) adviser or get help on the spot.
In the video above, you can watch one of our online information sessions about the EU Settlement Scheme. This one is English, but you can explore our Vimeo account for sessions in other languages such as Spanish, Polish, Italian or Romanian.
Briefing sessions for employers and advisers
The project will also organise briefing events aimed at NGOs, EU citizens’ rights groups, community groups, other third sector organisations, local government workers and employers wanting to learn more about the scheme and how they can help to spread the word and make sure EU citizens apply.
In these sessions, attendees are signposted to any relevant materials and support tools, such as Home Office toolkits, and specific advice services for citizens who need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
They give a clear understanding of the EU Settlement Scheme, explain the changes to EU citizens’ status and rights to work, study, access public services, and to vote, signpost sources of further information and support. and give practical information on the steps EU citizens, and the organisations that work with them, can take to resolve any problems.
Below you can find links to the recordings of some of our previous sessions:
EU citizens and local government services in Scotland, with solicitor Janey Armstrong (Drummond Miller Solicitors) and advocate Mark Lazarowicz (Terra Firma Chambers)
Implications of the new family reunion rights for family members of “People of Northern Ireland”, with solicitor Una Boyd.
The EUSS suitability test: the consequences of criminal convictions, with advocate Alan Caskie.
Settled and pre-settled status, with Kenneth Campbell QC
Specific issues in applying for settled status, with solicitor Janey Armstrong (Drummond Miller Solicitors)
*Check our next events here.
Organise an information session or drop-in event with us
Have you identified an specific community or a group needing further information or support with their EUSS applications?
Are you an employer concerned about your EU employees?
Do you work for a third sector organisation or a local authority and would like to learn how you can help the vulnerable EU citizens that you support?
Get in touch with us.
We are open to cooperate with all organisations and communities in Scotland to deliver online information and support sessions tailored to particular requirements. If there is a topic you would like to have more information on, please let us know and we will consider it.
If you are interested and/or would like to know more about this service, email us on info@citizensrightsproject.org.
*Due to the lockdown restrictions, at present, we cannot offer face-to-face clinics or events, but we can provide sessions through an online software as a meeting or webinar in a friendly form for those with limited technological skills.