COMMUNITY Legal Advice, the legal aid-funded helpline, has received more than a million calls since its launch in 2004, the Legal Services Commission (LSC) has announced.
This has led to people in Elles- mere Port and Neston getting help with 122 legal problems.
The service, which is managed by the LSC, provides free, confidential, quality-assured advice.
It has helped people receive the help they need to resolve legal problems involving debt, housing, benefits and tax credits, education and employment.
The Community Legal Advice service is also a triumph for the North West region.
North West-based firm bss won the tender to handle the national advice helpline’s calls in 2006, and the success of the service has led to rapid expansion.
Within the last 18 months the helpline has grown from a five- person operation to one that employs 68 people.
John Binks, acting regional director for the Legal Services Commission’s North West office, said: “Many people who are struggling with legal problems are often too intimidated or too scared to get face-to-face help. Others may be unable to get around easily because of caring responsibilities or disabilities.
“The service provides a welcome lifeline for these people, helping them solve their problems, often without the time and expense of going to court.”
He added: “This is a good example of how we are working to improve access to social and legal justice for people, some of who are amongst the most vulnerable in society.
“ I am delighted that the Community Legal Advice helpline has reached such an impressive landmark, and I hope it will continue to go from strength to strength. This is a great success for the North West, and for legal aid.”
People can receive help by calling the Community Legal Advice helpline on 0845 345 4 345 or visiting www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk.
