A GLASGOW-based legal charity is eyeing further expansion across Scotland after moving into a new office and receiving a £50,000 funding package.
The Legal Services Agency has recently moved with its 31 strong staff to a new office at 140 Sauchiehall Street after three decades at their previous home on Renfrew Street.
Meanwhile, following a £50,000 funding boost from charity finance provider, Social Investment Scotland (SIS), the agency is now also looking towards further expansion with ambitions to grow across the county.
Founded in 1989, Legal Services Agency supports people across the central belt with advice and representation in all the relevant courts and tribunals in Scotland.
The charity aims to help those who may find it difficult to get legal advice or are facing barriers in doing so, including financially.
The law centre aids in matters such as housing, employment law, welfare benefits, mental health, guardianship and other related services.
It also offers training for others in the legal profession and has recently launched the Disability and Social Justice Project.
The project provides aims to improve access to justice for disabled people and in particular challenging disability discrimination.
Legal Services Agency said it recognises the demand for its services all over Scotland, but currently no central body is able to offer this kind of legal support.
SIS was set up in 2001 in an attempt to provide new finance models for charities and social enterprises, having invested more than £133m into various projects since then.
Aaliya Seyal, CEO, said: “We believe that everyone is entitled to specialist legal advice when they need it and to have the right expert on their side when things go wrong.
“Our mission is to be the leading legal force in tackling inequality in our society and in our legal system, and as we embark on our new journey, we hope in due course to expand our unique services across Scotland.
“The support from SIS has been instrumental in us taking that first step with our move to new premises and having someone guide us through the funding process has been a huge blessing.
“With the cost-of-living crisis still a big concern for our clients and people still experiencing day-to-day hardship, the demand for our type of services is only growing.
“Alongside the regular advice services we provide, we are also working hard to collaborate with policymakers on key issues to ensure that no one faces disadvantage and discrimination in legal proceedings.”
Chris Jamieson, head of investments at Social Investment Scotland, added: “Legal Services Agency does amazing work in representing the unrepresented and we’re pleased to support the team as they embark on a new chapter of the business.
“By providing access to affordable finance, in this case, to help the charity relocate its operations, SIS is championing local organisations and social enterprises of all sizes to deliver greater impact for the communities and people they work with.”
