Generalist Advice Centres in Southwark Offering Free Drop-in Community Care Advice

Generalist advice providers can provide information, advice and help to resolve your basic problems. These agencies offer free drop-in sessions, for which no appointment is necessary. Typically, these advice centres will:

• diagnose your problem;
• explain the options available to you;
• help you identify further action you can take;
• give you basic assistance;
• fill in forms and draft letters; and
• contact other organisations for further information if necessary.

Some general-help organisations can also offer casework. This means:

• they can take action on your behalf;
• they can put your case to someone else to persuade them to decide in your favour;
• they can negotiate by telephone, letter, or face to face; and
• they may provide advocacy services. This means speaking for you at formal proceedings, for example at some tribunals.

Please note that these organisations can only represent you at some tribunals. You cannot get legal aid at this level, and you may have to pay some costs. Speak to your adviser to find out more.

Bermondsey Citizens Advice Bureau

Peckham Citizens Advice Bureau

Multi-Lingual Community Rights Shop

Legal Advice Centres in Southwark Offering Specialist Community Care Advice

You should use a specialist help provider when you want someone to advise you on a complex legal problem and carry out the full range of legal services, including representation. Legal aid helps people who cannot afford representation, as long as they meet certain conditions. Specialist help providers are typically solicitors and law centres, and can offer the following services:

• offer advice and legal help on complex matters in specific areas of law; and
• represent you in court, where this is permitted.

Pierce Glynn Solicitors