Substantive interview

Advice and wellbeing

It is very important that you let us know as soon as you are told about your interview date.

We will organise a time to speak with the you the week of your interview, or request for another support worker to make contact if the person who usually works with you is not available.

You should look at our How To guide and YouTube videos:

 

Guidance to prepare

  • Read your witness statement beforehand and check you are happy with it.
  • Reach out to us if you need support. This process can be very emotionally draining.
  • If you would like a friend or a partner to accompany you to the interview, your solicitor can request this.
  • Be on time and plan your route beforehand.
  • Check with your solicitor that the Home Office are aware of any accessibility issues and have been informed if you need an interpreter.
  • Take some food and drink with you as it can be a long day, check if there are any shops in the area.
  • Try to sleep as well as you can the night before. Please see below for links to help with sleep.

 

Things to remember on the day

  • Notify the interviewer immediately if you do not understand the interpreter or if they are saying something wrong or are not translating correctly.
  • Take breaks and ask for these when you need them.
  • Explain your experiences clearly and with confidence in your answers, do not rush, you can take as much time as you need to answer questions.

 

Make sure

  • You have seen your solicitor.
  • If you need to speak with our legal officer about the advice you have received from your solicitor, please let one of our support workers know.
  • Your solicitor reviews the transcript after the interview and notifies the Home Office if anything is incorrect.
  • You access support from other charities or healthcare providers, or friends and family if needed.

 

Information and quick exercises in case you become overwhelmed on the day

 

Help with sleeping