MdlR welcomed the group and introduced the session. The Network for Justice is working in partnership with the Access to Justice Foundation who are working to highlight this element of their beneficiary work. The Network has drawn in example from the rest of the justice community including, non-advice support initiatives, academics, and other networks.
The Network has been overwhelmed by the responses received to facilitating this meeting, making clear that there is a huge amount of expertise existing across the community on this topic.
As part of the follow up work to be done, the Network will be collating sharing examples of best practice and different service delivery models, including those highlighted today, to showcase the work being done by the community in this space.
The meeting started with sharing some key things to bear in mind and general best practice around identifying, supporting, and working with marginalised communities and understanding the type of experience they might have had and how this influences their needs. The session also looked for insight on how other expert services enable legal advice to be more effective.
If you have any further questions, please contact CASSPLUS CEO Carole Edwards: [email protected]
Attendees thanked the speakers and shared some comments.
Terminology
C: People with lived experience have asked us to try to avoid the term "vulnerable." People are often very resourceful and capable; it is often the failure of public services that have created the vulnerability.
CASSPLUS
C: Thanks, CASSPLUS colleagues! I am working with Kevin Wong at Manchester Met University to undertake some initial research on services offering social welfare advice to offenders so would be great to pick up with you and others working in this area. (Lindsey Poole)
Liverpool Community Advice
C: This refusal to tailor communications to affected community is heart breaking, keep up your amazing work and advocacy.
So interesting Helen, thank you.