The first law centres in south-west London were founded in 1974, by local people with a shared vision that everyone should have access to legal advice and justice – regardless of income. In 2004, four law centres in Battersea, Croydon, Kingston and Tooting joined together to create South West London Law Centres. Since then our team has given vital legal advice to many 1000s of residents across the
six south-west London boroughs of Croydon, Merton, Kingston, Sutton, Richmond and Wandsworth. Sadly during the last decade, it’s become more difficult for people on low incomes to access legal advice when they need it most. The impact of The Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 means that, since 2013, legal aid is no longer available in a number of areas of law – and even then is restricted to people on the very lowest incomes. Without law centres like ours, these changes leave many people in our communities at risk of being locked out of legal advice and justice, simply because they can’t afford a lawyer. We’re incredibly grateful to our supporters, volunteers, funders and sponsors whose generosity means we’re able to help local people get justice at some of the most difficult times in life.
