Citizens Advice Exeter to Walk for Justice
A team of walkers from leading local advice charity, Citizens Advice Exeter, is joining forces with the local legal profession and advice sector on Monday 5 June 2017 to take part in the Exeter Legal Walk.
The Exeter Legal Walk celebrates the continued work of the legal profession and advice sector in protecting people’s rights and promoting equal access to justice for all.
The Legal Walk is one of a number of similar events which run across England and Wales. The after work sponsored walk raises funds for free local legal advice charities in Exeter and throughout the South West.
Teams from local law firms, chambers and in-house legal teams are expected to come together along with local judges to support local advice services.
The event is run by the South West Legal Support Trust, to facilitate the access to specialist legal advice for the poorest and most vulnerable people in the community.
Citizens Advice Exeter Chief Executive Steve Barriball said: “Previous cuts to civil legal aid have not only affected the legal profession, but have also drastically impacted the services provided to members of the public.
"Advice services, such as Law Centres and local Citizens Advice offices, are struggling to provide free legal services on issues of housing and employment, meaning individuals seeking help and support may be faced with either having to pay for advice or do the work themselves without any specialist help.“
Steve continued: “Meanwhile, thousands more individuals and families are now unable to afford advice and are turning to free legal advice agencies for help. Many legal advice charities are fighting to survive. Since the legal aid cuts came into force the number of Law Centres has decreased significantly.“
Steve added: “On 5 June lawyers from across the area will be walking to show their support for the advice sector. Despite the cuts to legal aid forcing the closure of many law firms the legal profession has always championed access to justice for all.”
Steve finished: “Our target is to raise £500 and with gift aid we have already raised over £100. Anyone wishing to sponsor our team can donate on-line by going to https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/citizensadviceexeter2017 ”
Alternatively, sponsorship can be made in person at the charity’s offices in Dix’s Field.
Details of the Exeter Legal Walk can be found at: http://www.swlst.org.uk/exeter-legal-walk.html or follow the walk on Twitter @SouthWestLST or by using the hashtag #LEGALWALK
