Words by Smiley Team
In the midst of the cost of living crisis, many people are struggling to make ends meet. Some can't afford basic necessities, let alone afford to pay for legal sevices.
That's why The London Legal Walk, a fundraising event organised by the London Legal Support Trust, is raising money for free legal advice services. The charity supports not-for-profit advice and legal services – many of which closed during, or in the wake of, Covid-19 lockdowns when funds were tight.
“Fundamentally [free legal aid] gives people access to justice," said Joe Cole from Advice4Renters, highlighting just one of the reasons fundraising for free legal aid is so important.
"Justice is a cornerstone of democracy… removing or restricting access to justice would have a similar effect in our society to removing or restricting democracy."
[Sign up here to receive a weekly dose of positive news in your inbox]
Now in its 8th year, the London Legal Walk is set to take place on 28 June 2022, with more than 10,000 participating – the biggest walk yet.
The crowd will be made up not only of lawyers who work for these not-for-profit organisations, but of people who have benefitted from them, as well as others who support the cause.
Some will run, some will walk, some will even bring their dogs – but each one will be doing it to raise money for free legal aid.
“The money we raise goes directly to funding the Housing Advice Centre,” said Joe. “We have a highly experienced and dedicated team and we often find ourselves helping very vulnerable people who, for whatever reason, are not covered by the strictures of Legal Aid.”
You can still sign up on the London Legal Support Trust website either to walk or as a volunteer.
DONATE: You can give financially to the London Legal Support Trust to help support free legal aid across London.
VOLUNTEER: You can volunteer with Advice4Renters to help support free housing advice in the UK.
