Norfolk Community Law Service helps thousands of people a year who would otherwise be denied access to justice. Here, chief executive David Powles highlights their work and why 2025 is set to be a big year for the charity.
Justice, a fair trial, or the ability to have your voice heard, is a human right that all of us should be able to enjoy. However, for a variety of reasons, an increasing number of people are being denied that right. Norfolk Community Law Service exists to try and fill some of those gaps, specifically around civil and social welfare law.
Our team of almost 40 staff and 170 volunteers work throughout Norfolk, including Thetford, providing free, impartial and meaningful advice on a variety of issues.
The most common areas we work in are family law, domestic abuse, welfare benefit appeals, debt, immigration, housing, employment and general civil law issues.
As you may imagine, it’s an incredibly busy time for our charity. In 2023/24 we saw client numbers grow by 15% to 4,500 – a 38% increase in the past two years. Our rise in demand is down to a number of factors, but can be best described as the ‘triple whammy effect’.
An increasing number of people we help face issues such as debt, domestic abuse, being denied benefits or family separation. However, due to the cost-of-living crisis, more people than ever can’t afford to pay for legal advice. On top of that, the state is also unable to offer the same support it used to – legal aid has been scrapped, and cuts have decimated services. It’s no surprise we’re a charity facing demand like never before.
Fortunately, our dedicated staff, including several solicitors and specialist case-workers, work tirelessly to help give people a voice and access to justice. We have an army of volunteers, including pro-bono solicitors and trainee solicitors from the University of East Anglia, who help with general free legal advice.
One of our clients, Deborah, had endured over 30 years of controlling and coercive abuse from her husband. She felt trapped with no access to their joint finances and mounting debts secured against their property. Our mobile legal adviser connected her with our debt service and facilitated a safe space for her to receive advice on initiating divorce proceedings. By working closely with Deborah and local support groups, we helped her take steps toward financial independence and a life free from abuse.
Another one of our clients, Stephen, came to us facing a challenging Personal Independence Payment (PIP) appeal. Stephen had previously received the standard rate daily living component of PIP, but it was taken away during a renewal. Suffering from PTSD, dissociative disorder, autism, hypermobility and bowel problems, he found himself in a vulnerable position.
Our team appealed on his behalf, arguing that his health conditions had not changed. His previous PIP award was reinstated through our dedicated advocacy, ensuring he received the support he desperately needed.
In our free legal advice service, we encountered Shannon, who needed assistance with a housing application. Initially denied the support she was entitled to, Shannon faced homelessness. Our team intervened, providing crucial legal advice and representation. With our help, Shannon was able to secure her place on the housing register, ensuring stability for her future.
As we enter our 40th anniversary year, we are always looking for ways we can spread awareness about our work, make new partnerships and ultimately help more people. Many people from Thetford access our services remotely or over the phone. However, our mobile legal advisers are also often in the town providing outreach work.
We have a range of events planned throughout 2025 to celebrate the impact of what we do, encourage others to help us survive and thrive, and make new connections.
This begins with our annual law lecture at Jarrolds, on London Street in Norwich, on Thursday 20th February, but will also include a grand celebration at Sprowston Manor Hotel on Saturday 4th October. Tickets are now on sale for both events.
To find out more about our events or the work we do, visit ncls.co.uk or our LinkedIn page at Norfolk Community Law Service.
If you are interested in exploring partnerships with Norfolk Community Law Service, drop David an email at: davidpowles@ncls.co.uk
– David Powles
