The Windrush Generation: At the forefront of change

In a series of special reports, ITV News Central examines the impact and legacy of the Windrush generation.

"Used, abused - and refused" - the sentiments of many people were invited to Britain to help the country rebuild after the Second World War.

In 1948, thousands of people from small islands in the Caribbean were invited to Britain at the request of the UK government.

The call for help was picked up by many, who then packed their belongings and made their way on ships to a new country, a new way of life and a new home thousands of miles away.

Hundreds of people came to Britain on board the Empire Windrush. Credit: British Pathe

The next decades bought riots and slow change in attitude towards acceptance of the Windrush families.But 70 years since their arrival, they found themselves at the forefront of a political scandal like never before.

A change in immigration laws meant many faced deportation, because they were never formally registered.

The Home Office has since apologised and set up a taskforce to help those affected get the right documentation.

  • Carmen's story: A new life

Among those arriving on UK shores through the years was Carmen Dunwell.

She came from Jamaica as a child. Her family settled in Nottingham, where she still lives.

Carmen says the differences between the two countries was stark.

  • Rosemary's story: Growing concerns

The Windrush scandal has had a profound impact on those who moved to the UK from the Caribbean.

Rosemary Campbell-Stephens has lived in Birmingham, and now divides her time between there and Jamaica.

She was awarded for her 35 years of service to education in December 2016.

She now carries her MBE in her handbag - next to her passport - to make sure she is allowed back into the UK.

  • Catherine's story: Remembering the past

The ''Museumand' project tells the story of the Windrush generation. Credit: ITV News Central

Catherine Ross, who was originally from St Kitts, runs the mobile 'Museumand' project, which celebrates the Caribbean contribution to life in Nottingham and the rest of the UK.

'Museumand' highlights the experiences of those who moved to the UK in the postwar years. Credit: ITV News Central

Those who settled in Nottingham had a particular reason to resonate with the city.

  • Vanley's story: Photographing change

Keeping a sense of heritage was important for many of the new arrivals.

Photographer and historian Vanley Burke, from Birmingham, has been described as a the godfather of Black British photography.

He has been capturing the city's cultural change on the streets since the 1970s.

Vanley Burke is considered the godfather of Black British photography. Credit: ITV News Central