This case study sheds light on the Leeds Migration Partnership's plans to improve legal aid access for migrants seeking to regularise their status.
This case study sheds light on the Leeds Migration Partnership’s plans to improve legal aid access for migrants seeking to regularise their status. Through a new pilot project, the partnership aimed to alleviate pressures within the legal aid system while bolstering migrants’ access to essential legal support.
To better understand the current situation regarding legal aid in Leeds, we began by inviting Becky Rayment from MBP in Leeds to give a presentation on the state of affairs. Based on the relatively grim picture, the Partnership decided to form a workgroup, dedicated to exploring responses the third- sector could develop to alleviate pressure.
The workgroup united key third-sector stakeholders, including OISC-accredited entities like the Manuel Bravo Project, Chapeltown CAB, Refugee Council, St Vincent’s Support Centre, RETAS, and PAFRAS. This collaborative effort involved mapping the current legal support landscape and identifying gaps and opportunities
In response to complexities within the legal aid system, the workgroup conceived a pilot project centred on volunteer-led, OISC Level 1 thematic advice clinics. This initiative aims to address travel documents, nationality / citizenship and lost BRP cards and errors on BRP cards, tapping into the collective expertise of the participating organisations.
The partnership has mapped the anticipated journey of service users, ensuring the pilot project aligns with the needs of migrants seeking legal guidance on the above matters. While the pilot project remains in the planning phase, its potential impact is significant. By engaging volunteers, including individuals with firsthand experiences of forced migration, the initiative seeks to alleviate burdens on the legal aid system while fostering potential future legal advocates.
The EAR partnership played an important role in shaping this endeavour. Discussions with partners like Brushstrokes, who have successfully implemented similar projects, facilitated streamlined planning and strategising.
A primary challenge faced by the workgroup was managing the capacity of local partners to actively participate in the project’s development. Balancing enthusiasm with external pressures required active coordination and determination to drive the project forward.
Through harnessing the collective expertise of third-sector organisations, the Leeds Migration Partnership exemplifies the power of partnerships in supporting migrants’ access to free legal advice.
