Will support ambitious growth plans
A funding package amounting to £50,000 will help the Legal Services Agency in Glasgow will give a boost to those unable to access legal representation.
Social Investment Scotland (SIS) made the award to the organisation which has recently moved to a new office in Sauchiehall Street which is home to a team of 31.
Founded in 1989, Legal Services Agency supports people across the central belt with advice and representation in all the relevant courts and tribunals in Scotland.
The charity aims to help those who may find it difficult to get legal advice or are facing barriers in doing so, including financially.
The law centre supports clients with housing, employment law, welfare benefits, mental health, guardianship and other related services. It also offers training for others in the legal profession and has recently launched the Disability and Social Justice Project, which provides assistance and aims to improve access to justice for disabled people and in particular challenging disability discrimination.
Following the office move after three decades at its previous home on Renfrew Street, the charity is now looking towards expansion, with ambitions to grow its operations across the country. Legal Services Agency said it recognises the demand for its services all over Scotland, but at the moment, no central body is able to offer this kind of legal support, and it would like to work towards addressing that gap.
Aaliya Seyal, chief executive officer of Legal Services Agency, said: “We believe that everyone is entitled to specialist legal advice when they need it and to have the right expert on their side when things go wrong.
“Our mission is to be the leading legal force in tackling inequality in our society and in our legal system, and as we embark on our new journey, we hope in due course to expand our unique services across Scotland.
“The support from SIS has been instrumental in us taking that first step with our move to new premises and having someone guide us through the funding process has been a huge blessing.
“With the cost-of-living crisis still a big concern for our clients and people still experiencing day-to-day hardship, the demand for our type of services is only growing.
“Alongside the regular advice services we provide, we are also working hard to collaborate with policymakers on key issues to ensure that no one faces disadvantage and discrimination in legal proceedings.”
Chris Jamieson, head of investments at Social Investment Scotland, added: “Legal Services Agency does amazing work in representing the unrepresented and we’re pleased to support the team as they embark on a new chapter of the business.
“By providing access to affordable finance, in this case, to help the charity relocate its operations, SIS is championing local organisations and social enterprises of all sizes to deliver greater impact for the communities and people they work with.”
