Community Legal Advice
Community Legal Advice - Advice when you most need it
Web address: www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk.
Helpline: 0845 345 4 345.
Many people know the Legal Services Commission (LSC) through their work in managing the Criminal Defence Service, but did you know that they also help people with civil legal problems such as issues with debt, housing and welfare benefits?
The LSC runs Community Legal Advice, a free confidential advice service, funded by legal aid, for people on low incomes or benefits.
Community Legal Advice can help with over-the-phone advice (where eligible) for housing, debt, benefits and tax credits, employment and education problems.
The helpline has a translation service if people need advice in a language other than English or Welsh and the website can also be viewed in a number of different languages. People needing further advice can also check if they are eligible for legal aid.
Rob McCauley, Criminal Defence Service Manager and Board Member on the Kent Criminal Justice Board, said: “With the impact of the ‘credit crunch’ and increasing numbers of people struggling to make ends meet, it is essential people have access to independent quality advice; this is where Community Legal Advice can help. Many of us working within the Criminal Justice System meet people on a daily basis who need legal advice. It is not always easy for people to get into town to see an advisor face-to-face, and Community Legal Advice offers an alternative way for people to access the advice that they need.”
Last year, Community Legal Advice helped nearly 300,000 clients deal with their problems by giving them legal information and advice.
Within the Criminal Justice System (CJS) Community Legal Advice can help address some of the factors that contribute to re-offending such as debts, rent arrears and homelessness. Research shows that half of all victims of crime will also have a civil legal problem; Community Legal Advice can help with victim and witness satisfaction in the CJS by providing practical help and advice with these problems. The service can also help victims of domestic violence to tackle some of the related issues such as housing and money problems that may be prevent repeat victimisation.
If you would like assistance from Community Legal Advice, you can visit www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk. Or call the helpline on 0845 345 4 345.
If you would like information leaflets regarding community legal advice or Legal Aid then please contact the KCJB Support Team on 01622 652300 or via email: KCJB.enq@kent.pnn.police.uk