Legal & General has committed £100,000 over three years to fund Shelter’s work through the West Sussex Community Legal Advice Service, a consortium run with West Sussex Citizen’s Advice Bureaux to provide advice on a range of issues including debt, housing, welfare benefits, employment, consumer problems and family issues. They also offer a full range of civil legal help through to court representation.
The donation will help Shelter help over 1500 people obtain vital advice across West Sussex. Shelter helps over 170,000 people a year get back on their feet to find or keep a home.
Stephen Smith, director of housing and external affairs for Legal & General Network, said: “ I am delighted that we are able to support this new initiative with Shelter. The service they provide is invaluable and without it and the work of the legal service commission and CAB, many more people would find themselves without the means to obtain advice which could ultimately mean they become homeless. Shelter will do everything they can to make sure this does not happen. We have been working with Shelter for over a year and I am very proud of what we have achieved together.”
Sharon Eaton, Shelter service manager, added: “Shelter is absolutely thrilled to have this support from Legal & General which will enable us to reach even more people in West Sussex. Our advisers let people know what their rights are, explain their housing options and help them negotiate with councils, landlords and lenders. I urge anyone who is experiencing problems related to housing, debt, welfare benefits, unemployment or consumer issues to get in touch today.”
