Here is how to still access free legal advice in Northamptonshire

Community Law Service has had to close to protect its legal advisors but they are still working over-the-phone
Community Law Service has four branches across the county - pictured is Hazelwood Road in Northampton town centre.Community Law Service has four branches across the county - pictured is Hazelwood Road in Northampton town centre.
Community Law Service has four branches across the county - pictured is Hazelwood Road in Northampton town centre.

Community Law Service provides comprehensive advice and representation in welfare benefits, energy efficiency, employment law, debt, housing and immigration.

Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, their four offices in Hazelwood Road in Northampton; The One Stop Shop in The Guildhall, Midland Road, Northampton and High Street, Rushden have closed to the public.

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But they cannot provide face-to-face advice until further notice - the legal team are still providing most of their specialist advice provision by telephone or email.

Advisors are now working from home and are set up to effectively deal with ongoing referrals from agencies and members of the public calling them for advice.

Specialist advice is still being provided in the following areas:

Debt – the Debt Advice Team funded by the Money and Pensions Service is providing a full range of debt advice

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Welfare Benefits – the team can provide benefit checks including advice on entitlements, help with claims, disputes and appeals

Housing – the team can provide advice in respect of repossession and eviction for people eligible for legal aid.

Energy Advice - help can be given to those wanting information to better afford energy bills including benefit advice and maximisation, utility debt advice, energy tariff checks, access to grants

Self-Funded Immigration Service is temporarily suspended as they are unable to deliver this service by telephone.

How to contact the team:

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Agency Referrals: Where possible agencies should utilise the online referral form on their website www.communitylawservice.org.uk or alternatively direct people to our telephone

service. On receipt the referral will be allocated to the most appropriate service.

Telephone Service: The telephone service is available Monday – Thursday 10.00am – 2pm and Fridays 10am – 1pm 01604 621038

Contacting Projects: Their projects are still operational by telephone and email. They can be contacted on the following numbers. Callers will be asked to leave a message and an advisor will call back as soon as possible.

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Financial Health and Wellbeing Service: funded by British Gas Energy Trust providing Benefits, Debt and Energy advice for people who are experiencing ill health or have a disability. Tel: 01604 235709 or email [email protected]

Health Agencies: including GP surgeries and Mental Health services and voluntary sector health support services should continue to refer using the contact details above or via our website www.communitylawservice.org.uk

Children’s Benefit Take-Up Project: funded by Children in Need for children and young people who are ill or who have a disability - Tel: Tel: 01604 624070 or email [email protected]

Northamptonshire Energy Saving Service – funded by National Grid’s Warm Homes Fund providing support for households to better afford energy bills including benefit advice and income maximisation, utility debt advice, tariff switching and energy efficiency advice . Tel: 01604 623700 or enquire via the website www.northamptonshireenergysavingservice.org.uk

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