Southwark Law Centre

The Southwark Law Centre is a UK nonprofit organisation registered as a charity under the number 277927. It provides specialist legal advice, representation, and training primarily in areas such as Housing, Welfare Rights, Immigration, Employment, and Education.

Areas of Focus

Legal Services

Southwark Law Centre specializes in providing legal services to individuals who cannot afford to pay for them. The centre focuses on the following areas:

• Employment Law: Dealing with workplace disputes and rights.
• Housing Law: Assisting with issues related to housing possession, eviction, and related legal matters.
• Immigration & Asylum Law: Offering legal assistance to migrants and asylum seekers.
• Planning Law: Though less typical for a law centre, they may handle planning disputes.
• Welfare Rights: Helping individuals with benefits and welfare rights.

Special Initiatives

The centre is also involved in initiatives aimed at addressing specific community needs:

• Homeless Patients Legal Advocacy Service (HPLAS): Originally launched in Southwark, this service was expanded to Lewisham in May 2022. HPLAS provides legal support to homeless NHS patients, helping them access necessary services such as housing and social care.

Operational Model

Southwark Law Centre operates primarily through referrals, meaning clients often come through other agencies, such as advice centres, councillors, social workers, and community groups. The centre does not offer a drop-in service but handles cases where clients cannot afford legal representation from other sources.

Funding and Governance

As a registered charity, Southwark Law Centre relies on donations and support from various funders and sponsors to continue its operations. It is governed by a trustee board consisting of local residents.

Impact and Recognition

Each year, the Law Centre assists over 1,000 individuals who cannot afford legal advice. Its services have been recognized for their impact, particularly in addressing social issues such as homelessness and migrant rights. The centre's projects, like HPLAS, have been lauded for their innovative approach to addressing societal inequalities.

[1] https://selmind.org.uk/directory/southwark-law-centre/ [2] https://www.southwarklawcentre.org.uk [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/277927 [4] https://www.southwarklawcentre.org.uk/donations/ [5] https://www.lawcentres.org.uk/news/award-winning-homelessness-project-keeps-on-showing-the-way-forward