Our AGM NEXT WEEK: What does ‘Strategic Litigation’ even mean? | Black Lawyers Matter | Another victory: feedback from an ESA claimant | Apply now: Campaign Volunteer roles | Something beautiful has happened in Moss Side | Social and Legal Causes of Homelessness
Our AGM 28th September: What does ‘Strategic Litigation’ even mean?
Strategic Litigation (or Legal Campaigning) is where you use a legal challenge to change the law itself.
We value every single appeal or tribunal that we win for an individual, because we know that these cases change lives. But we can change so much more if we bring challenges against welfare policy and legislation itself.
Does it work? Yes! Our Keynote Speaker, Rebekah Carrier, recently represented a group of single mothers who challenged the Benefit Cap. Read more here.
Strategic Litigation leads to a change in the law and policy. This is what we want to be doing, and this is what we will be discussing at our AGM. Everyone is welcome and we hope to see you on the 28th.
We have a Facebook event here.
Black Lawyers Matter
GMLC was proud to attend the University of Manchester’s launch of their Black Lawyers Matter bursary scheme at the West Indian Sports and Social Club, just around the corner from us. The programme aims to unite the University and community organisations to address the under-representation of black and ethnic minority people working in legal professions.
We enjoyed catching up with our patrons, Manchester’s Academic Lead for Equality and Senior Professor Dr Dawn Edge, and Moss Side Peace activist Dr Erinma Bell. It was a pleasure to discuss our community presence with Moss Side Councillor Mahadi Hussein Sharif Mahamed, and with the poet and University Chancellor Lemn Sissay.
Another victory: feedback from an ESA claimant
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a form of financial support for those unable to work due to illness or disability. Our advisers help claimants from the initial form-filling state, right through to appeals and tribunals. One of our clients left us this lovely message.
“Thanks to Sarah I won by ESA appeal and got back £50 a fortnight so a big thanks to Sarah.
Haven’t received any extra money yet but will make a donation as soon as I get it.”
Apply now: Campaign Volunteer roles
We are consistently working to improve the opportunities for our volunteers. We are recruiting for specific tasks, roles and teams. Please click here to find out more and apply.
- Role 1: Volunteer Recruitment and Allocation – apply before 29th September 2017
- Role 2: Social Media, Marketing and Web Team – apply before 29th September 2017
Role 3: Editorial and Research Group – apply before 29th September 2017
Something beautiful has happened in Moss Side
We have had our premises at 159 Princess Road for one year, and it really feels like home. Thanks to local artist Jack, we now have a beautiful mural.
As a newsletter subscriber, you are the first to see photos of this work of art:
Thank you Jack!
Social and Legal Causes of Homelessness
Our Editorial and Research Group is comprised of Campaign Volunteers who work together to create analytical articles in response to topical issues.
Volunteer Heba Khalid, with research from Ben Chamberlain, authored this excellent piece on the social and legal causes of homelessness. We have seen it being widely shared among housing and poverty campaign groups in Greater Manchester.
“Homelessness in the UK has become a big cause for concern in recent years. In this article we explore the scale of the issue on a local and national level, by analysing the facts and ‘hidden’ figures. We have considered the few solutions that the government and the council have offered, most notably those of the recently elected Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Legal safeguards from homelessness do exist but often fall short, and gaps in the law can leave many in vulnerable positions. This is felt particularly harshly by migrants. Whilst assessing the causes of homelessness, it is important to recognize that the lack of support for legal aid and supportive charities has only worsened the issue. Therefore, we consider what can be done to help rectify the problem, in terms of legal aid and building support for charities, both of which are crucial in helping the vulnerable gain access to justice.”
You can join our Editorial and Research Group here.
4 things you can do to help Greater Manchester Law Centre
- You can donate and/or set up a standing order to help fund our key legal services
- Get involved, by either volunteering, becoming a member, a supporter, or if you are an organisation, you can affiliate with us. Find out how by going to the ‘Get Involved’ section of our website
- For those of you on Twitter, tweet us @gmlawcentre and tell us why access to justice is so important.
- Ask for a letter of support from your local councillor/MP/community organisation/trade union branch and send it in to us
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest GMLC news.
#WhyweneedGMLawCentre
#FreeAccesstoJustice.
