Horizon Legal Advice Clinic

Horizon is a specialist legal advice clinic which was launched with the aim of providing free legal advice to all members of the public on PIP and ESA related matters. It was founded in 2016 by a group of undergraduates, several of whom were student advisers at the Queen Mary Legal Advice Clinic. We have grown considerably over the years having partnered with an increasing number of law firms and having recruited more volunteer advisers. We are passionate about helping those in need by providing free initial legal advice. The impetus behind our initiative was the drastic cut to the Legal Aid budget by the government which left many people without any access to justice. As a result, we felt it was an ethical obligation of our profession to assist members of the public, with a particular focus on the London boroughs of Barking & Dagenham and Newham. Pro bono has been a consistent feature of the legal profession, giving back to society one of its enduring values, ensuring that those in need have a place to turn to. Our purpose is to advise members of the public on their legal position and the options available to them. We aim to provide a niche, sophisticated end to end service in matters relating to Personal Independence Payments and Employment and Support Allowance. We will assist in a variety of ways including: Drafting written Legal Advice Letters setting out eligibility for PIP/ESA and next steps; Initiating a claim which involves filling in a Claim Form received from the Department for Work and Pensions; Preparing clients for a Face-to-Face Assessment; and Challenging a DWP decision by: (i) requesting a Mandatory Reconsideration; and/or (ii) Appealing to a Tribunal or Upper Tribunal.

Rights and Equalities in Newham

Advice for individuals on discrimination and the law, particularly on statutory service provision, housing and employment. Representation at industrial and employment tribunals. Promotes equality of opportunity and works towards the elimination of discrimination. Racial harassment project. Capacity building training programme for refugees and asylum seekers.

East London Tribunal Hearing Centre

This Courts/Tribunals service handles cases around: Claims against employers, Benefits

Newham Family Information Service

Advice and information about services, and resources in Newham for children and young people up to the age of 19 and their families, including day care nurseries, playgroups, childminders, play facilities, support agencies, schools, nursery schools, leisure activities. Information on help with paying for child care. Information on child care training, and setting up a child care business.

LB Newham - Homeless Persons Unit

Assessment of entitlement to housing for people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. Housing provided for people considered in priority need of housing. Temporary accommodation may be available while enquiries are made. Tenancy relations service, general housing advice and advice and assistance for single and non-priority homeless people. Out of hours emergencies phone 020 8430 2000.

Subco Elders Day Centre (Subco Trust)

Day centre, advice and information for elderly Asian people. Advocacy on health, disability, mental health. Dementia and stroke support groups. ESOL, art and reflexology classes. Video club. Dental and optician surgeries. Exercise groups, including women only group. Lunch club Mon-Fri. Gujarati and Punjabi meals delivery service seven days a week.

Somali Banadir Welfare Association of UK

Advice, information and support for the Somali Banadir community, particularly refugees and asylum seekers. Subjects covered include benefits, housing rights and immigration and nationality. Cultural and recreational events. Translation and interpreting. Sports activities.

Helping Hands

Centre and befriending scheme for local people needing help, especially older people, disabled people and people with mental health problems. Practical help with gardening, housework or shopping, but a particular emphasis on befriending.

The London Tamil Sangam

Multi-purpose community centre for the Tamil and other minority ethnic communities. Elders care project with health talks and workshops. Tamil school on Sunday with classes in ESOL, dance, IT, health awareness, keep fit, DTP, childcare and dressmaking. Social and cultural activities.

Gujarat Hindu Welfare Association

Drop-in day service, information on housing and benefits for the Gujarati speaking community. Women's club Tuesday and Friday 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Also hold conferences and seminars on topics of interest to the Asian communities.