Link to support: here

Help Vimal Pandya

Vimal has been a huge asset to Rotherhithe and Southwark more widely. His efforts during the covid lockdowns meant people (often older or disabled people) who couldn’t go out had their prescriptions and shopping delivered at home. His amazing efforts helping hundreds of people earned him recognition from Queen Elizabeth II.

When the Home Office told Vimal to stop working, he expanded his volunteering – even helping in my local Bermondsey office supporting other people in need. He has been instrumental in establishing the Rotherhithe Community Kitchen which provides hot food to hundreds of people every week across Southwark. He recently received additional recognition for his voluntary work in our community at Southwark Cathedral.

But Vimal needs your help. Under existing Home Office rules, Vimal was detained and could face deportation. A judicial review of the process is underway and I am intervening to examine whether Vimal’s truly exceptional contribution has been recognised and whether there are other means of ensuring he can continue making such a positive contribution in Southwark.

A part of the process, it is important people say what Vimal means to you and what would happen if he was not able to continue contributing here. Please make it as personal as possible and focus on the positive difference Vimal has made to you and your family or circumstances. Please complete the form saying what Vimal means to you and why he needs to stay. Your contribution could help ensure Vimal is able to keep making such a positive contribution here.

Thank you in advance for your kind words – and please let me know if you have any questions about the process or if you’d like to help Vimal further.

Link to support: here