The Windrush National Organisation will be hosting its second international conference in Birmingham on Friday, 27 October 2023 at the Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre.
This year’s conference will not just focus on Windrush status and compensation but will also seek to deal with the growing issue of people born in the UK after 1983, who are having difficulties in obtaining a British passport.
There will also be additional workshops on issues which the Windrush National Organisation have identified on its journey of engagement to date, which will include housing, culturally appropriate health and social care, legacy and wealth retention and Black workers rights. It has been identified that the social economic standing of our community needs to improve in order that we become self-sufficient, in order to build upon the rich legacy which has been laid by our elders, which was not easy however through as our strap line is this year “rekindling the spirit of the Windrush generation” through collaborative, cohesive and unified working together.
During this year of ‘Windrush 75’, the Windrush National Organisation has taken on a national tour for which five legs have now been completed, which commenced in Bradford earlier this year and will continue until June 2024. The purpose of the tour, for which the Home Office is also participating, is to ensure that we continue engagement on the Windrush scheme, for which it is proving fruitfully, as we do have people with status claims still coming forward now, which only goes to add fuel to the fire that this scheme has no end date, with people continuing to come forward for the first time.
It is also welcomed that the Home Office have reiterated their commitment for being in this for the long haul. It is important to note that with the ever-increasing elderly population, health inequalities do play a major part, and also as well with the development of additional illnesses - such as dementia within our elders - it is important that we discuss how they can be cared for whilst having their culture, appreciated and understood.
Housing has always been an issue for the Windrush Generation, and the purpose of the conference is to seek to develop strategies on how to tackle this, along with dealing with injustices that many Black workers face in their places of employment. Legacy and welfare attention has been identified as there are times when our elders pass away that many of the siblings just want to sell properties and the purpose is to find alternatives that they can retain the legacy which has been built by their families.
It must be noted that we have come a long way since the Windrush Scandal was exposed 2018, however, the journey has not come to an end. It is an ongoing matter, and it is important that on this journey that experiences are shared and addressed. Many more of course feel that the screen is not moving as quick as it should, and those who have been impacted by that you cannot say that they are being Unreasonable.
It is essential that the ongoing dialogue between campaigners, advocates, legal representative and, most of all, the victims continue with the Home Office to ensure the refinement of the scheme that is criticised as not being fit for purpose. This year is keynote speaker is the Parliamentary Undersecretary of State in charge of the scheme Lord `Simon Murray of Blidworth (pic).
By ensuring the input from a government minister does go some way to demonstrate a commitment to two-way dialogue with the Home Office and this conference is also open to the public, hence an opportunity to have your say on the Windrush scheme and how it can be improved even further. The Director of the Windrush Compensation Scheme will be present along with strategy and policy advisors in addition to the Windrush Engagement Team.
Campaigners from the WENO will be in attendance including Chair Bishop Dr. Desmond Jaddoo MBE, Vice Chair Reverend Clive Foster MBE, Glenda Caesar, Patrick Vernon OBE, lawyer Jacqueline McKenzie, creator of the Windrush flag Nigel Guy MBE and many others. A number of Commonwealth High Commissioners have also confirmed their attendance.
There will also be a Gala Dinner for which we will be seeking to raise funds for our Windrush Welfare Fund to assist those that are kin need. Tickets are £60.00 and a 3-course meal will be served along with performance from Comedian John Simmit, and singers Johnny Orlando and JC Lodge. There is now a real opportunity to level the playing field of equity that is faced, and has been faced, throughout generations and firmly place matters that affect our communities on the agenda in order that we may make that all important difference, in order that our children do not face the same issues that we have over the past 75 years.
The 2nd Windrush international Conference takes place in 2 parts at The Edgbaston Park Hotel & Conference centre Edgbaston Park Road Birmingham B15 2Rs. The daytime commences 9.00am – 4.00pm with the evening Gala Commences with a drink’s reception at 6.00pm until late. For tickets and further information visit: www.windrushnationalorganisation.com
By: Bishop Dr. Desmond Jaddoo MBE, Chair of the Windrush National Organisation
