Keith Wilding explains the difference Law Centres make to individual lives
- The law can be used as a tool for change.
- Working alongside the socially excluded as individuals, in groups, and in communities can help resolve seemingly intractable problems.
- Seeking to influence local and national policy through the legal process is an integral part of seeking social justice.
It’s not just for lawyers and it’s not simply a legal advice centre. A Law Centre, as a member of the Law Centres Network, adopts the underlying assumption that Law Centres operate in an unequal society and seek to make a contribution to the fight for social justice. In so doing, it uses the law as a tool for change and uses the strengths of the community it serves. It works alongside people who are socially excluded and it works with other organisations striving for similar goals. An important part of its work is harnessing the strengths of the community.
The government’s austerity programme has resulted in the reduction of public services. The programme of welfare reform has put pressure
