You may think everyone has access to free legal advice when they need it – but sadly you are wrong. Paying for legal advice is out of the reach of many of those most disadvantaged in our society, who need to understand their rights and challenge decisions affecting them and their families.

Bristol Law Centre is a local charity providing free legal advice in social welfare law including housing & homelessness, immigration & asylum, welfare benefits, mental health, employment & discrimination. We prevent poverty, keep people in jobs and homes, reinstate benefits, keep families together, give people independence and dignity. We enable people to understand their rights and challenge decisions.

“I had no idea what to do about them stopping my benefits …. 
If Law Centre have not helped me I would lost my home and be crazy now. Thank you so much for saving me.”

We help over 1,200 people a year access justice. We represent clients in court – ‘the other side’ being well resourced – without representation people are often unable to uphold their rights and get on with their lives.

We also help more than 3,000 enquirers, working closely with other charities, support organisations, community organisations and others to promote equality and justice. Most recently we have worked with the council, mental health charities and Hubs like the one here, to improve both understanding of rights and access to advice via community spaces.

The need for legal advice has never been greater and we are reliant on funding from trusts & foundations and from donations like yours. Thank you. 

Karen Bowers

CEO, Bristol Law Centre