Whether it is advising clients or helping out at our campaigning and fundraising events, the dedication and enthusiasm of our fantastic volunteers is essential to everything we do. As a charity we are always looking for more volunteers to join our fight for free access to justice. On this page you can find the latest news on what our volunteers have been up to, and updates on ways in which you can get involved.
A report published last week by the Joint Committee on Human Rights, Enforcing Human Rights, highlighted “grave concerns for access to justice, the rule of law, and enforcement of human rights in the UK” caused by cuts,[1] making enforcement of human rights “simply unaffordable” for some of the most vulnerable people.[2] The chair of the…
GMLC volunteer Thomas Wood looks at the origins of PIP, the 2017 amendment that excluded claimants impaired by psychological distress, and the recent legal challenge that found this guidance ‘blatantly discriminatory’. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit that helps with the extra costs of a long-term health condition or disability. An expansion of eligibility for…
By Robert Povall. Robert is a Campaign Volunteer with GMLC. He has just completed the GDL at the University of Law and is passionate about making a difference. He wants to become a Barrister, specialising in immigration, civil liberties and human rights. Imagine that you have a severe disability and receive benefits to help…
by GMLC Volunteer Joe Payne Law Centres Federation Limited v the Lord Chancellor [2018] EWHC 1588 (Admin) A recent High Court decision was deservingly won by the Law Centres Network (LCN) in a challenge to the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) Legal Aid policy, via Judicial Review. Judicial Review is a legal challenge to the way a…
The Greater Manchester Law Centre opened in the face of law centre closures, cuts to advice services and a harsh environment for all public services. We saw that our community was being denied justice and we said: we have to do something. Individual donations, sponsorship and community fundraising are more than top-ups for GMLC: they…
On Sunday 20th May, a brilliant team of runners will be taking part in the Great Manchester Run to raise money for GMLC. See a selection of their stories and sponsor them below: “GMLC, like many charities of its kind, provides free access to justice by advising, supporting & representing the most vulnerable through…
We are proud to announce that GMLC has been shortlisted for the Legal Aid Practitioners Group’s LALY Awards 2018 in the Legal Aid Firm/Not for Profit Agency category, sponsored by The Law Society. After the closure of South Manchester Law Centre in 2014 we said: if enough people wanted a law centre, there would be one.…
As part of our Pro Bono Legal Advocacy Support Project (LASP) students from the Manchester Law School represent clients at appeal hearings who are due to have their Employment and Support Allowance reduced by the Department of Work and Pensions. The project affords students with a unique opportunity to put into practice the knowledge and…
Under GMLC’s new partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and Pro Bono Community (PBC), 16 law students will assist our clients in applying for disability benefits. All of these students have successfully completed comprehensive training in welfare benefits law from PBC as well as our own training. DLA, PIP and our services Disability Living Allowance (DLA)…
Commentary by Robert Povall. Robert is a Campaign Volunteer with GMLC. He is currently studying a GDL at the University of Law and is passionate about making a difference. He wants to become a Barrister, specialising in immigration, civil liberties and human rights. Would you like to write an article or case commentary for GMLC?…