Improve Access to Legal Advice for Migrants

London, Greater London, United Kingdom

Improve Access to Legal Advice for Migrants

£314

Target: £10,000

We have raised 3% of our target 3%

6 supporters

45 days left


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Aim: HMC are raising vital funds to provide comprehensive immigration support to refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants.

Hackney Migrant Centre (HMC) is a community organisation that has been supporting vulnerable migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers across London for over 17 years. Since 2007, our visitors have accessed tailored and specialist support tackling multiple intersecting challenges, including destitution, homelessness, and complex immigration issues.  

We rely on the support of our community to continue to show solidarity in action and defend the rights of migrants in the UK.  

Legal representation remains nearly impossible for migrants to obtain due to soaring fees and a severe shortage of legal aid. A recent report by Public Law Project revealed that in over half of the UK, there is no available legal advice for immigration and asylum cases. We rely on our expert, accredited in-house service to facilitate access to justice for marginalised migrants who often have nowhere else to turn.  

Without access to legal advice countless migrants are left at their most vulnerable, trapped in cycles of uncertainty, isolation, and exploitation. We believe migration is life, we welcome all in our community- and we work to support migrants to rebuild their lives in safety. 

Adama's story: Adama* always dreamed of studying politics and law. At 16 years old, he arrived in the UK from Nigeria as the eldest of three siblings, bearing the responsibility of supporting his family during a challenging transition. Despite excellent grades in secondary school and college, his immigration status denied him the opportunity to go to university, leaving him devastated and uncertain about his future.

Desperate for a way forward, Adama discovered Hackney Migrant Centre (HMC). HMC supported Adama to access specialist immigration advice from an Immigration solicitor, so he could understand his immigration case and manage the long delays waiting for the Home Office’s decision on his case. HMC also supported Adama with expert advice on his housing rights and destitution relief. He was supported by staff and volunteers in a safe space and was encouraged to begin volunteering with HMC, where he found a renewed sense of belonging and purpose. Adama said, “This is like a little home to me. When I feel a little bit down, I just come here to relieve my stress”.

With HMC’s continuous support, Adama re-gained a sense of control over his life and the confidence to re-apply to university. Adama was delighted to receive a scholarship, his long-held dream finally within reach. Adama recently thanked HMC, saying “without this place, I don’t know where I’d be”.

Adama's journey illustrates how overcoming immigration hurdles through dedicated support can break the cycle of destitution, opening doors to stability and hope.

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With your support, Hackney Migrant Centre can continue to offer tailored legal guidance and practical support that empowers migrants to overcome obstacles and reclaim control over their lives. With hostile immigration policies remaining at the heart of the UK immigration system, access to expert immigration advice has never been more essential. 

Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants. Thank you for supporting HMC and transforming lives! 

*Adama is a pseudonym 


Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 25th August 2025 at 12:00pm


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