On 24th September 2018, several members of the Thames Valley office took part in the Reading Legal Walk – a 10k stroll around the city to raise funds for legal advice agencies in the Thames Valley and beyond.
More than 160 participants were joined by District Judge Comiskey to raise awareness of local agencies supporting members of the community with a wide variety of legal issues. Over £8,000 has been raised so far, with other walks taking place across the country. Agencies are supported by the vital work of the London Legal Support Trust (LLST), whose strive to ensure that access to justice is equally available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.The LLST works by supporting law centres and legal advice agencies in London and the South East, providing them with grant funding alongside other forms of support. They offer knowledge and experience of the sector to help agencies become more sustainable, and ensure that the help and support offered is available to those who need it most.
Bob Nightingale, founder of the LLST, commended the lawyers for supporting local advice agencies and said:
“In recent years life has become even harder for the most disadvantaged people. Austerity has caused hardship among the poorest people and created problems such as debt and homelessness. Often the advice agencies are the only place where those people can get help.
2013 cuts to legal aid for many areas of welfare law mean that people who can’t afford to pay a solicitor can no longer turn to high street solicitors for help with matters such as benefits, employment or disrepair. Now changes to the benefits rules for people with disabilities is creating even more pressure on the advice agencies.
It’s fantastic that local lawyers will turn out year after year to raise funds to help to ease that problem,”
The event was a great opportunity to meet other people in the local area with the same aims and objectives, and was rounded off by a free drink in Walkabout, sponsored by Beaufort Financial. Head of the Thames Valley Office, Jonathan Naylor extended his appreciation to all those who took part in the walk, and for the funds that were raised.
If you are able to spare any amount at all, take a look at our fundraising page. All help is greatly appreciated:
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. © Shoosmiths LLP 2024.