A growing number of people are finding it increasingly difficult to access advice and assistance due a variety of competing factors such as; limited Legal Aid availability, the reduction in local authority funding of the advice sector, the current economic climate, the cost of legal services and a reduction in court resources.
As a consequence many UK citizens have been disenfranchised and fall within what is commonly termed the ‘justice gap’. This has given rise to an increased number of Litigants in Person (LiPs) who have been unable to either afford legal advice or indeed have an awareness of the few services still available which provide pro bono advice and assistance.
The concern within the judiciary is evident and initiatives are being explored to remedy what is undoubtedly a growing problem for the civil justice system. In response to this, Law students at Canterbury Christ Church University have become trained Community Legal Companions and can provide support for LiPs at court in finding Legal Aid assistance, mediation services, charitable support services and affordable fixed fee services. The CLCs are also available to help LiPs find their way around the court, fill in court form, provide moral support, take notes and sort through papers. The support can be provided for a whole range of issues from family and divorce to housing and debt.
Please note that the Canterbury CLOCK helpdesk is currently closed due to the University Examination Period.