From January 2021, Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas) status holders can apply for a new immigration route, enabling them and their dependents to come to the UK. Applicants and their family members will be able to live, work and study in the UK, but will not have access to public funds. The Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC) created 12 “Welcome Hubs” across the UK to support new arrivals, and the North West Regional Strategic Migration Partnership (RSMP) is one of these Hubs.
RSMP know the VCFSE sector plays an important role in delivering local services and they have extensive experience in supporting the integration of migrant groups. RSMP would like to ensure that VCFSE organisations have access to funding to support the local welcome of the Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders. Therefore, the North West RSMP Welcome Hub has created the Hong Kong BN(O)s Welcome Grant Scheme, which will make available grants to organisations that propose suitable projects and activities for Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders across the region.
Key information about the Welcome Grant:
Funds available: Up to £5,000 per bid. Please note organisations can only bid once (unless their first bid is unsuccessful).
Beneficiaries: Beneficiaries of the projects must be Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders settled in the North West (Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Warrington, Liverpool City Region).
The objectives of the Hong Kong BN(O) Welcome Grant Scheme are to:
- Enable BN(O) status holders and their dependants to be part of British society, provide a positive contribution to the areas in which they settle, both economically and socially, and be able to mix confidently with people of all backgrounds
- Ensure that any instances of destitution and underemployment in the BN(O) status holder cohort is minimised and addressed through effective support
- Ensure that BN(O) status holders to understand their rights and entitlements and are aware of services available to them
- Ensure that emotional wellbeing needs of the BN(O) visa holders and their families are met and that they feel safe and welcome
For more information email: [email protected]
Deadlines:
Round 1: opens 5 January 2022 and closes 31 January 2022
Round 2: opens 5 March 2022 and closes 31 March 2022
Grant information sessions
RSMP are hosting webinars to offer application support to organisations wanting to apply for the grant on:
13 January, 10am-11am
19 January, 1pm-2pm
21 January, 11am-12pm
The sessions will cover:
- General information about the aims of the grant scheme
- How to apply
- Tips for writing a good application
- An opportunity for you to ask any questions about your application