We are trying to kit out a building for a new, not-for-profit, community law centre that will provide free legal advice and representation for the people of Greater Manchester.

Since 2008, the government has been eroding legal aid so that free legal advice and representation is no longer available in many areas of law. These reforms have also meant that law centres across the country, which would have provided these vital services, have closed down. Greater Manchester has lost 7 of its 9 law centres and the boroughs of Manchester and Salford have become ‘law centre free zones.’

The impact this has had on people’s lives has been devastating. Many people are less able to challenge unlawful benefits sanctions, keep a roof over their heads or even to protect their right to stay in this country after fleeing persecution. More people are now expected to represent themselves in court without a lawyer and without proper knowledge of how the legal system works. Many of those people, feeling overwhelmed and embarrassed, simply don’t bother and unjust and unlawful decisions affecting their lives go unchallenged. The problems that this has caused are particularly harmful to women, BME and disabled communities.

We believe that law centres are essential in securing access to justice. Bucking the trend of closures and cuts, lawyers, community activists and residents have come together to form a new law centre. We have secured fantastic premises in the heart of Manchester and have received high profile support from MPs, members of the judiciary and even critically acclaimed actress Maxine Peake. Most importantly, the Greater Manchester community supports us.

We are ready to deliver free legal services out of our building but we need to kit it out so that people can use it properly. Your money will be spent on the basic trappings of a law centre like toys for the waiting room, drinking water facilities, bathroom and kitchen equipment and information leaflets.