Social justice is an every day lived experience for many people. It is not only coming up against an intimidating, complex court system, but it is drowning in debt; it is having your benefits suddenly stripped from you, even though you cannot work due to disability, or mental health conditions; it is fleeing domestic abuse as a partner on an immigration status; it is being fired from work with no warning, and no justification.
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A woman in her 60s came to us, anxious about debt issues. She worked full time at minimum wage, and had an adult son with caring needs. Living alone, she was in rent arrears, and barely able to make the minimum payment, and was also in debt to other companies. Trapped in a vicious cycle, just trying to keep up and caring for her son, she did not know what to do.
NCLS worked with her to advise her of her rights, and to get her debt written off and cleared, liasing with the council and debt companies. Now, she is debt free and no longer at risk of losing her home. She can focus on her life and caring for her son without the anxiety of fear.
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A mother came to us in distress, because her ex-partner had taken their son and enrolled them in a different school, refusing to engage with the mother. She had to go to court, and was extremely anxious, having no knowledge of the court system, and just wanting her son back. She was getting aggressive and threatening messages from her ex and their new partner.
NCLS helped her through this difficult time, explaining the court system, and arranged for a McKenzie friend to attend court with the mother and support her. The McKenzie friend alerted the court officials to threatening behaviour by the ex-partner. The mother got her child back, and an order of no contact from the ex-partner. She was extremely relieved, and grateful for the support through an incredibly stressful time.
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A man came to us to help with debt issues. He could not work and was receiving benefits, which did not cover his bills and care costs. Over £7,000 in debt, he had sold his possessions just to make the minimum payments. With nothing left to sell, he was scared that bailiffs were going to come to the door. His mental health worsened through stress and anxiety.
NCLS worked with him to contact his creditors, and also liase with his GP. The debts were written off, and the man was given a fresh start, and was able to find calm and hope again.
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Every day, we help people to move through and out the other side of challenging, stressful situations. The impact of our work cannot be underestimated: to have your child back from an abusive ex-partner; to have debt written off so that you can have a fresh start – and not be at risk of losing your home; to have a right to stay, and be safe from an abuser; to have your benefits reinstated to allow you the dignity of life that we all deserve.
This is what we do. And what we will keep doing, because we believe in social justice for all.
“My Mckenzie Friend really helped me and supported me through out. I know I couldn’t and wouldn’t have done it without her she was amazing!! Thank you so much! It is such an incredible boost to have support from you and and other staff/volunteers at the Norfolk Community Law Service. I feel so fortunate. Light when I really need it.”
“You are an absolute angel in disguise. It’s a weird feeling, like I can breathe again after a long time. I know if they come to the door, I can say look at this I am on this register, now leave please. No more pressure. Seriously you really have helped sort a lot of my stress. I’m lighter, a fresh start. Honestly can’t thank you enough.”