Other advice agencies

• Citizens advice

  • charitable organisation: bureaux in many towns, cities
  • staffed by both full time employees, trained volunteers
  • give general advice: telephone, in person, email, web chat
  • debt, consumer ossues, claiming welfare benefits, housing issues, employment matters
  • these offices have arrangements withe local solicitor - offer clinics to give advice on legal issues
  • offer a cheap or free first advice session
• Law Centres

  • offer free, non-means tested advice to the locals
  • funded by the central/local government but found it difficult to gain enough funding
  • have qualified solicitor, full time supported by volunteers
• Trade Unions

  • offer their members free legal advice employment matters, personal injury, accidents outside work
  • members: generally pay a subscription - cover the giving of advice
  • often employees full-time specialist advisors to deal with work-related issues, negotiate with an employer on behalf of its members
  • personal injury claims: union will usually refer the member to a specialist lawyer - cover the lawyer's ��
• FRU (free representation unit)

  • body, based in London and Nottingham - provides advice, legal rep in social security; employment tribunals
  • help members of the public, not eligible for legal aid; cannot afford lawyers
  • work carried out: volunteers (often law students, legal professionals in early stages of career)
  • all FRU reps are trained, supervised by legal officers
  • may unis, around the country encourage volunteering
• Insurance companies

  • Policies include cover for help with legal fees for advice
  • Example: vehicle insurance: insured for advice on claims arising from road accidents
  • House insurance policy: will cover advice, assistance if a visitor is injured on the premises
• special insurance policies:

  • 'before the event' policies: taken out where there is no known claim at time of purchase
  • 'After the event' policies: required when a CFA is entered into - covers lawyer's fees, winner's legal costs
• What do many charities offer in areas of work?

  Some form of free specialist advice
• Who do charities employ to provide initial advice and assistance?

  Trained advisers or volunteers
• What type of advice do some charities provide through telephone helplines?

  Legal advice
• What issues does Gingerbread provide advice on for single/shared parents?

  Child maintenance, contact with children, employment issues, education, welfare benefits, housing, and debt
• What services do shelters offer for housing issues?

  In-person advice, telephone helpline, and online chats
• What types of housing issues do shelters provide free advice on?

  Homelessness, eviction, tenancy agreements, repairs, and benefits
• What are the main functions of charities in providing advice?

  • Offer free specialist advice
  • Employ trained advisers or volunteers
  • Provide legal advice through helplines
  • Address various issues for parents and housing