A NEW project is giving legal advice to those who need it to solve problems in their everyday lives, as well as support for those representing themselves in court.

Citizens Advice Mid-North Yorkshire, Scarborough District Citizens Advice and Kirklees Citizens Advice and Law Centre have come together in partnership to deliver the ‘Litigants in Person’ project, making sure that residents have access to specialist legal advice. This advice covers the areas of Housing, Family Law and Discrimination experienced at work, in housing or in receiving benefits.

As part of a National Project funded by the Ministry of Justice and the Access to Justice Foundation, from a pot of just under £1 million, the local partnership has secured £191,000, over two years.

“Because of Covid there has been an increase in people needing legal advice, especially as the impact of job losses and business closures hit home,” said Carol Shreeve, chief executive office of Citizens Advice Mid-North Yorkshire.

“While this project is about preventing people having to go to court, it is also about empowering people, giving them the support and legal advice they need if they are either being discriminated against, are at risk of losing their home or are struggling to navigate a complex family problem, especially if they cannot afford to pay for expert advice or representation.”

Anyone needing advice can contact Citizens Advice Mid-North Yorkshire on their free Adviceline 0808 278 7900.