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Law Centres Network
@lawcentres.bsky.social
420 followers 210 following 160 posts
We are the national body for Law Centres: non-profit practices defending the rights of people who cannot afford a lawyer.
🔗 https://www.lawcentres.org.uk/
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lawcentres.bsky.social
The Nathaniel Mathews Award is back for 2025 with a new winner: Southwark Law Centre’s Rachel Lovell!

Rachel has done fantastic work preventing homelessness in South London over the past year. Read about her achievements:
👉 www.lawcentres.org.uk/news/law-cen...
A photograph of Rachel Lovell. She has a joyful expression and is stood gesturing towards her award certificate which reads: Hackney Community Law Centre Award 2025 in honour of Nathaniel Mathews Is awarded to: Rachel Lovell
December 1, 2025 at 3:39 PM
lawcentres.bsky.social
In times of national uncertainty, how do we navigate a clear path through?

Learn how LCN has been building resilience and driving transformation.

All in our new Annual Review.
👉 www.lawcentres.org.uk/news/navigat...
A graphic with text and cut-out images of Law Centre staff. The text reads: “Navigating Uncertainty: Forging Our Path Ahead.” “2025 Annual Review.”
November 27, 2025 at 11:17 AM
lawcentres.bsky.social
Power to the community. 💪

Harrow Law Centre recently held a protest with local renters demanding action on the #housing crisis.

It worked! Councillor Mina Parmar has agreed to meet with residents.

Learn more: harrowonline.org/2025/10/31/r...

📸 credit: Martina De Camillis.
A group of Harrow residents stood in front of the Harrow Council offices. They are holding up placards that read: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice anywhere” “Stop ignoring renters” “We are real human beings. Not numbers” “Healthy homes not hazardous homes” “Harrow tenants matter” “Better housing conditions” “Harrow Council do your job” Also, a banner that reads: “Harrow Healthy Homes: support, solidarity, community.”
November 13, 2025 at 11:23 AM
lawcentres.bsky.social
Spotlight on Health Justice Partnerships.

Law Centres are showing how legal advice can be a public health tool.

Learn more in our latest newsletter:
🔗 mailchi.mp/86d35243f82e...
A title which reads: “The impact of CELC's Health Justice Partnership” Bullet points which read: •£1.2 million in financial gains for patients from benefits, debt relief and grant applications •Half of patients saw a reduction in clinical appointments Behind the text: a background image of a stethoscope
November 7, 2025 at 10:17 AM
lawcentres.bsky.social
Yesterday, the Renters' Rights Bill received Royal Assent and became law.

Law Centres give legal assistance to renters, to help them protect their homes. We have been campaigning alongside organisations and groups great and small for better rights and protections for renters. (1/3) 🧵
October 28, 2025 at 11:57 AM
lawcentres.bsky.social
On #AdviceWeek, we’re sharing a few stories of hardship transformed.

This is the contribution that Law Centres make every day to our country. It’s a vital public service, but government underinvestment is limiting its potential.

It's time to give the advice sector the support it needs to thrive.
Text which reads: Anita was pregnant and living with her partner and two young children in a single, damp hotel room without hot water. They had been there for almost a year and were forced to share kitchen and bathroom facilities with strangers. Central England Law Centre challenged the council’s decision to keep the family in unsuitable accommodation, and helped Anita to secure Child Benefit she was missing out on. The family received compensation and were moved to new accommodation that was safe and secure. #Advice Saves An image of: A mother and two children sitting on a bench looking out to the landscape. Text which reads: "Before coming to the Law Centre, I had no idea whatsoever of my rights and the process I was supposed to go through. I don't think enough people do know, and so they go into legal proceedings ill-equipped. “Some people end up homeless because they didn’t have the support I had. I know 100% I’m in my home because of the support of the Law Centre." —Emmanuel, South West London Law Centres client #AdviceSaves An image of: A man sat reading a book at a desk. Text which reads: Anoushka was experiencing domestic violence. Her immigration status was tied to her abusive partner and she feared that walking away would leave her in an even more vulnerable position. Merseyside Law Centre helped Anoushka to make a Destitution Domestic Violence Concession application, and later an application for indefinite leave to remain. It worked: both applications were granted. Anoushka became eligible for public funds to help her access alternative accommodation, and her future in the UK is secure. #AdviceSaves An image of: A woman wearing a denim jacket, sat down and clasping her hands together. Text which reads: Daniel had severe medical issues arising from his former job. He applied for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) but was awarded only the lower rate of daily living payment. Daniel struggled with both the additional cost of disability and with the emotional strain of not being able to live independently. Merseyside Law Centre represented Daniel at a tribunal to challenge the DWP’s decision. The panel awarded Daniel the highest possible award of PIP with the longest duration (10 years). An image of: A man with a walking stick being supported by a woman.
October 23, 2025 at 10:17 AM
lawcentres.bsky.social
🚨 Calling aspiring solicitors! 🚨

The Social Welfare Solicitors Qualification Fund has opened its latest round of applications.

🎤 Ealing Law Centre's Abdi-rashid Hassan was a SWSQFer who is now a QUALIFIED SOLICITOR.

Get your #SWSQF application in by Wednesday, 12th November.

Link below. 👇
October 20, 2025 at 10:38 AM
lawcentres.bsky.social
Too often, the DWP makes incorrect decisions. These can affect the finances, independence and health of disabled people.

Law Centres fight to get disabled claimants the support they need.
A graphic with text and an image of a man with a walking stick being supported by a woman The text reads: Daniel* had severe medical issues arising from his former job. He applied for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) but was awarded only the lower rate of daily living payment. Daniel struggled with both the additional cost of disability and with the emotional strain of not being able to live independently. Merseyside Law Centre represented Daniel at a tribunal to challenge the DWP’s decision. The panel awarded Daniel the highest possible award of PIP with the longest duration (10 years). *name has been changed Larger text below which reads: Law Centres: helping disabled people live independent lives
October 17, 2025 at 10:17 AM
lawcentres.bsky.social
Did you know that a broken shower can be a legal issue? 🚿⚖️

When renters face disrepair, it’s not just an inconvenience: it can affect their health and wellbeing. Knowing your rights is essential. Law Centres help people to understand and assert those rights.
Council tenant, Jackie*, had been without a working shower for months. She had to wash at friends' houses, and it was taking a toll on her and her children's mental health. It is the council’s responsibility to carry out repairs in the properties it owns, but many renters struggle with disrepair for weeks, months or even years. An email from Harrow Law Centre to Jackie's local councillors got the council to pay attention. Within days, workmen visited Jackie’s home and finally fixed her shower. *Name has been changed Larger text below that reads: Stand up for your housing rights
October 10, 2025 at 10:23 AM
lawcentres.bsky.social
Structural barriers like unaffordable childcare, harsh welfare rules and insecure employment trap women in poverty.

Learn how @ce-lawcentre.bsky.social is helping women challenge injustice and build financial security.
🔗 www.wbg.org.uk/publication/...
A title that reads: Gendered poverty Text below which reads: • 4 out of 10 single-parent households are in poverty • 9 out of 10 single parents are women
October 1, 2025 at 10:23 AM
lawcentres.bsky.social
LCN has contributed to a new report on the importance of volunteering to UK society.

Volunteers have played a key role in the Law Centres movement since its origins in the 1970s. And to this day, volunteers keep justice alive in places where it is needed most.

Learn more: www.works-4u.com/what-if
A black and white photograph of Law Centres lawyers and supporters standing outside the office of North Kensington Law Centre in the 1970s. Writing on the window of the office reads ‘please come in and sign our petition.’
September 22, 2025 at 10:07 AM
lawcentres.bsky.social
This week, the Employment Rights Bill entered its final stages. The reforms are missing a key opportunity to strengthen workers' rights.

In our February newsletter we discussed the need for #AccessToJustice provision.
🔗 mailchi.mp/adb9d58994f9...
In a blue graphic, an image of Julie Ehlen, chief executive of Equality & Employment Law Centre. A quote from Julie which reads: “These changes risk becoming meaningless if people cannot access free employment advice.” Text below which reads: "Employment Rights Bill."
September 17, 2025 at 3:02 PM
lawcentres.bsky.social
Treating NHS patients with… justice? ⚖️

Legal problems—like problems with housing and benefits—can be the cause of ill health. Central England Law Centre has been working alongside local GPs to solve them. (1/2)
A title which reads: “The impact of a health justice partnership” Bullet points which read: •Nearly £1 million in financial gains for patients from benefits, debt relief and grant applications •17 households supported to access emergency accommodation •Half of patients saw a reduction in clinical appointments Behind the text: A background image of a stethoscope
September 1, 2025 at 12:22 PM
lawcentres.bsky.social
Different origins, same Law Centre spirit!

Two of our members celebrated anniversaries this summer: South West London Law Centres and Greater Manchester Law Centre.

Learn a little about their histories in the latest edition of our newsletter.
🔗 mailchi.mp/53b00013c6f8...
A banner for the former Battersea & Wandsworth Law Centre. It has been displayed on the wall of South West London Law Centres’ office, and situated in front of it are framed accolades for the Law Centre and its staff.
August 29, 2025 at 1:49 PM
lawcentres.bsky.social
Many stations across the UK lack the services or facilities that disabled people require to use them.

Derbyshire Law Centre is working to build a fairer rail system. Learn how:
🔗 www.lawcentres.org.uk/news/the-fig...
A graphic which reads: Across Derbyshire’s 33 stations… •A third have no step-free access •91% have no ‘national key’ disabled toilets •73% have no staff help available •18% have no ramp for train access •None have changing places
August 16, 2025 at 9:17 AM
lawcentres.bsky.social
“We were and still are about swimming against the tide.”

A decade ago, @gmlawcentre.bsky.social rose from the ashes of the #LegalAid cuts. It was built on the determination of campaigners who refused to accept the status quo of austerity and deepening poverty. (1/3)
A photograph of Sukhdeep Singh and Denise McDowell, two of Greater Manchester Law Centre’s founding trustees. Sukhdeep is holding a microphone, speaking to the audience at GMLC’s 10-year anniversary event held at the Mechanics’ Institute in Manchester on 22 July. Behind Sukhdeep are stained glass windows depicting workers’ scenes, and banners which read: “Greater Manchester Law Centre: Fighting together for free access to justice”
August 7, 2025 at 1:33 PM
lawcentres.bsky.social
Derbyshire Law Centre is pushing back against an unacceptable status quo: that much of the UK’s rail network is inaccessible to disabled people. (1/2)
A graphic which reads: “I don’t travel by train now because I have no confidence that it would all run smoothly with no issues.” Text below which reads: Sue – disabled passenger
July 31, 2025 at 1:37 PM
lawcentres.bsky.social
A new report from the Smallwood Trust, the Women's Budget Group and @ce-lawcentre.bsky.social looks at the structural barriers trapping women in poverty—like unaffordable childcare, harsh welfare rules and insecure employment. (1/2)
A title that reads: Gendered poverty Text below which reads: • 4 out of 10 single-parent households are in poverty • 9 out of 10 single parents are women
July 28, 2025 at 10:54 AM
lawcentres.bsky.social
This summer, LCN and Law Centres welcomed interns through the 10,000 Black Interns programme.

Yesterday, we hosted a get-together for the interns to reflect on their experiences so far. (1/2)
Three interns sat at a table in an office. Two listen while the third is talking. One LCN staff member and one intern sat at a table in an office. The LCN staff member listens while the intern is talking. A selfie of six interns smiling. The photo is taken on a rooftop terrace in London.
July 24, 2025 at 12:00 PM
lawcentres.bsky.social
Planning law is for the whole community. It’s only right that people should have a say over the future of their homes, businesses and surroundings.

Southwark Law Centre helps South Londoners do just that!
👉 www.lawcentres.org.uk/news/we-want...
An image of a small portion of the Castle Square building in Southwark, featuring a sign of the same name. Atop the building is the iconic Elephant & Castle statue. In the background is a block of flats.
July 22, 2025 at 10:19 AM
lawcentres.bsky.social
It’s time for fresh thinking on civil justice.

Most of us will face a legal issue in our lives—but too many people face an uphill struggle to get the help they need.

A new report from The Law Society calls for a sustainable #LegalAid system and more.
👉 www.lawsociety.org.uk/campaigns/ju...
A graphic which reads: “only one in five people believe justice is accessible.”
July 13, 2025 at 10:17 AM
lawcentres.bsky.social
All of us at LCN are saddened to learn that former Hackney Community Law Centre solicitor, Wendy Pettifer, has died at the age of 72 after a long illness.

Read about Wendy’s life:
🔗 www.lawcentres.org.uk/news/remembe...
An image of Wendy Pettifer in conversation with a former colleague at a Law Centres reunion event in 2024.
July 10, 2025 at 2:08 PM
lawcentres.bsky.social
The government has announced it will increase #LegalAid fees for housing and immigration work.

This will be the first pay rise for legal aid lawyers in nearly 30 years!

More is needed to bolster this vital public service.

Read our response:
🔗 www.lawcentres.org.uk/news/lcn-res...
A quote from Julie Bishop, director of LCN, which reads: “This announcement is a step in the right direction, but it will do little to put legal aid on a sustainable footing.” Larger text below which reads: LCN responds to legal aid fees increase
July 7, 2025 at 2:13 PM
lawcentres.bsky.social
We recently wished a very Happy 90th Birthday to Peter Kandler, founder of North Kensington Law Centre (the first Law Centre in the UK!). (1/2)
A photograph of Peter Kandler, LCN chair, Helen Rogers, and LCN director, Julie Bishop. They are sat together in a restaurant and Peter is holding up a wine glass.
July 4, 2025 at 3:23 PM
lawcentres.bsky.social
“We want development. But we want the right kind.”

We all deserve a say over the future of our homes, businesses and surroundings. Southwark Law Centre’s Planning Voice project is about putting the community at the centre of planning.

More in our latest newsletter!
🔗 mailchi.mp/62d88bb4049a...
An image of the Blue Bermondsey People’s Mural. It is located on the side of a building and celebrates the local community and market.
July 1, 2025 at 12:39 PM