CHARITIES in the North-East are set to help vulnerable European and Swiss citizens complete their EU settlement scheme applications thanks to funding from the Home Office.

The organisations will receive a share of the £9 million available to help and support more than an estimated 200,000 people across the UK.

Those who may require the help include victims of human trafficking or domestic abuse, those with severe mental health conditions, those without a permanent address, and those who are elderly or isolated.

Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes said: “EU citizens are our friends, family and neighbours, and we want them to stay.

“We have made the EU Settlement Scheme free and simple to use but it’s vital that everyone receives the support they need to apply.

“I am very pleased that EU citizens living in the North-East will have easily accessible help and support in order to make their application.”

EU citizens applying to the Scheme only need to complete three key steps – prove their identity, show that they live in the UK, and declare any criminal convictions. Applicants can use any laptop, tablet or mobile device to apply.

Over the last year, Home Office officials met with experts from more than 200 community groups, voluntary sector bodies and businesses nationwide that have strong links with vulnerable EU citizens to make sure that everyone is reached.

Additional support is also available to those EU citizens in the UK who do not have the appropriate access, skills or confidence to apply online.

David Irwin of the Children Society said: “This grant is a great opportunity to support families and individuals across the North-East."

For more information about the EU Settlement Scheme visit gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families