West Derby Centre for Social Justice is a community initiative based in Dovecot MAC, Liverpool.
Launched in partnership with Ian Byrne MP to provide West Derby residents with access to legal advice and support and to tackle social inequalities by providing a holistic offer of advice services, working with partner organisations to establish a regular timetable of sessions.
As a community hub for justice and advocacy, the centre ensures that local residents can access free legal advice and essential support on matters including finances, debt, housing, poverty and hunger.
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Above is a timetable of the regular services currently available at the centre. Please check regularly for any updates to services as they are subject to change.
For further information please contact: sophie.brown@merseysidelawcentre.co.uk
Who are we here for?
All residents of the Liverpool West Derby constituency.
Dovecot and surrounding areas are some of the most deprived in the UK. Merseyside Law Centre has been serving this community for the past thirty years and here at West Derby Centre for Social Justice we know that systemic economic and social inequality, along with generational cycles of poverty and poor educational attainment all contribute to the serious issues faced by many in this community.
Clients with complex, intertwined issues.
West Derby Centre for Social Justice will enable clients with complex issues to access multiple agencies in a single place. This can help to reduce the time various agencies spend referring clients and, vitally, lessen the stress experienced by clients who are otherwise required to access multiple services over multiple sites. Several services housed in a single physical location can also enable greater communication between agencies when problem-solving for clients.
Stakeholder organisations
West Derby Centre for Social Justice is proud to work with a wide range of services to bring West Derby residents the best possible access to justice.
Organisations providing outreach services in the Centre include:
Merseyside Law Centre
Providing free legal advice and representation to residents on housing and welfare benefits.
Raise Advice
Raise is an independent charity dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through free, confidential and expert advice and training in the areas of welfare benefits, debt, and financial capability. Raise has a team of experienced professionals offering a safe and supportive environment for residents to seek help and develop the skills to take control of their finances.
Alt Valley Trust
Working to improve the lives and well-being of local people of all ages, Alt Valley Community Trust offer services such as libraries, gyms, business start-up support. It also offers a wide range of Adult Education and training courses for local residents.
Liverpool Law Clinic at University of Liverpool
Supported by the university’s law students, Liverpool Law Clinic offers free legal advice to members of the public who are unable to otherwise afford it. The clinic’s solicitors are experts in their field and have many years of experience in practice.
Partners Credit Union
A not for profit, financial co-operative that exists for the benefit of its members, Partners Credit Union is available to those who live or work in the Liverpool City Region, work for an employer who has a place of business in the Liverpool City Region or is a member of any TUC affiliated Trade Union.
Acorn Union
Their drop-in will be for any tenants seeking union support to resolve issues or disputes with their housing provider (social or private landlord) over repairs, extortionate rent increases, eviction, harassment or mis-sold tenancies.
Autism In Motion
The neurodiverse family support network we have been supporting families since 2015 and have built a team with a wealth of knowledge and lived experience who are able to offer advice and practical support around all things SEN related.
Broudie Jackson Canter
The family team at Broudie Jackson Canter will be at the centre each Friday morning from 9:30 – 11:30 am. The team are dedicated to providing support to the community by offering legal advice and assistance in relation to family law including social services involvement with families, contact issues and protection from domestic abuse. This is a drop-in service so please feel free to drop in and speak to a member of the team.