More than a hundred people took part in a “walk for justice” yesterday evening (Tuesday 21 June).
They were led by a senior law lord, Lord Clarke of Stone-cum-Ebony, on a 10km sponsored trek through Brighton and Hove to support free legal advice in the city.
They set off from Brighton Magistrates’ Court and finished at the Jubilee Library in Brighton.
The event is expected to raise more than £5,000 for local charities which provide free legal advice to people facing difficult problems relating to areas such as debt, money and housing.
The proceeds will be divided between Brighton Housing Trust (BHT), the Federation of Disabled People, Brighton and Hove Citizens Advice Bureau and Money Advice and Community Support (MACS).
John Holmström, assistant chief executive of BHT, said after the walk: “This event is a real reflection of the trust and respect that people have for local advice services.
“Our services have never faced a more challenging time as demand is increasing just as the government’s Legal Aid reforms threaten to radically reduce the support we provide to thousands of residents.”
Vicky Watson, director of Brighton and Hove Citizens Advice Bureau, said: “We really want to thank everyone who took part in this walk.
“More and more residents are worried about their financial situation and the queues outside our offices are getting longer day by day.”
MACS director Jackie Grigg said: “Local advice services such as ours help thousands of residents every year with difficult problems related to crucial areas such as housing and money.
“Without our help these problems would just get worse with knock-on effects on people’s health and wellbeing and, ultimately, further costs to the public purse.”
Anyone wishing to make a donation can still sponsor the lead walker here http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=BrightonCourtWalkers&isTeam=true.
Congrats to all involved; a very worthy cause…
very special