The History
The London Legal Support Trust (LLST) was established in 2003, and two years later, the London Legal Walk was born. Initiated with the help of Rebecca Wilkie from LawWorks (formerly SPBG), Professor Chandler from the University of Law, staff from South West London Law Centres, and Allen & Overy, a committee was formed to plan the route and publicise the event.
The inaugural Walk in 2005 saw 330 participants raising £35,000. Today, 20 years later, participation has soared to 17,000 people, with the goal of raising £1 million annually. Over two decades, more than 150,000 walkers have collectively raised over £10.5 million. The support has been life-changing for those in need of free legal advice.
The Impact
Who benefits from the funds raised? The money supports legal advice centres across London and the South East, improving access to justice. Community legal advice services are crucial, helping the most vulnerable individuals and families receive fair treatment. These services assist over 2 million people annually with protection, shelter, and education. For over 60 years, legal advice services have been empowering local communities to help themselves.
Despite this, up to two-thirds of the population are unaware of how to access legal services, and nearly 70% lack knowledge of basic legal processes. Less than 50% of young people facing serious issues, such as those related to housing and education, receive the advice they need.
What impact does contributing and participating in the Legal Walk have? Let’s look at the numbers.
In 2022, according to figures from the LLST, £1,071,909 was distributed in grants to support access to justice. LLST’s 38 Centres of Excellence helped 187,101 individuals. These Centres handled 156,527 cases, covering issues like debt, welfare, family, housing, employment, and immigration.
By supporting the London Legal Walk, you are making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need, ensuring access to justice for all.
Written by Phoebe De Oliveira Simões