local services what we offer
Advice
Do you need advice on welfare benefits, housing or debt?
Or are you looking for legal advice on employment law, private housing and consumer issues?
We offer free advice and support through:
- ‘Open Door’ advice service
- FREELaw evening legal advice sessions
- Tribunal representation
We support 9,000 people every year and all our advice is quality marked by the Legal Services Commission.
You can also volunteer in our advice team.
Our Advice services
Open Door Service for advice on Welfare Benefits, Debt and Housing
Monday to Thursday mornings from 9 am to avoid disappointments, 105 Barking Road, Canning Town
Please note that we work on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis. Please arrive at 9am to give you the best chance of being seen that day. Directions are here.
The advice is FREE if you are on low income or on benefits. You MUST bring with you Proof of Income, which must be less than one month old, otherwise we won't be able to help you. This document tells you exactly what to bring. You will be assessed by a member of our team to determine if you qualify for free legal advice.
This is a drop-in advice service, with no appointments necessary. If necessary, we ask you to bring an interpreter with you for your first visit. For your second visit we can arrange an interpreter.
Evening Legal Advice Sessions
Mondays at 6:30pm, Stratford Advice Arcade
Wednesdays at 6:30pm, 105 Barking Road, Canning Town.
For either session registration starts at 5 o'clock. Please note that we work on a 'first come, first served' basis.
We work with a corporate law firm to offer a free drop-in evening law surgery twice per week. The team offer legal advice on some areas of consumer, private housing and employment law, but please consult this document before coming, to check your enquiry is covered. No appointments are necessary but as we rely on volunteers, sometimes you may not be seen and have to return on another day.
Form Filling Services
Government forms can be long and confusing for anyone, but especially so if you have problems reading and writing, or if English is a second language. If you need assistance with filling out welfare benefit, tax credit and local authority housing forms, please come along to our drop in Form Filling Session, held on Wednesday mornings from 9.00am at 105 Barking Road. Clients are seen on a first come first served basis.Download a Flyer.
If you need help with other forms, such as Taxi Card Forms or Prescription Cost Forms, help may be available at our Wednesday evening legal advice sessions (times above).
Older Peoples Service
Each Monday, an advisor from the Department for Work and Pensions is available to offer advice to people over 50 on an appointment only basis.
Phone for further information 020 7473 2270
Tribunal Representation
We offer advice and assistance in appealing against Department of Work and Pension and Local Authority decisions and in many cases can offer representation at appeal hearings.
Please speak to your advisor to find out more.
Immigration Law
We can help you with your immigration issues, please call 0207473 2270 to make an appointment
Family law issues
In partnership with Edwards Duthie Solicitors, we offer free face-to-face appointments with a family solicitor, fortnightly on Fridays. However, you need to book an appointment in advance - please ring 0207 474 9670
Fuel Debt Advice
We can help you with Advice on Gas and Electricity debts and how to save money on your energy usage. More information.
We are grateful to British Gas Energy Trust who are funding 2 specialist fuel advisor posts. Find out how you can support our work.
Money Advice Service
Free clear, unbiased, money advice, information and advice to help you manage your own budget. Telephone for an appointment 020 7473 2270
Where else can I get advice in Newham?
Community Links is a member of the Newham Advice Consortium, a group of advice providers based in Newham who give legal advice to people on a range of issues - welfare benefits, housing, debt, immigration, community care, domestic violence.
Aanchal (for Asian women), 020 82213800
Age UK, 020 8503 4800
CORECOG (Community of Congolese Refugees in Great Britain), 07939 121845
Newham Citizens Advice Bureau, 020 7540 4941
Newham Action Against Domestic Violence, 020 7473 3047
Newham United Tamil Association, 020 8472 6495
Racial Equality In Newham, 020 7473 5349
Refugee And Migrants Project, 020 8221 9200
Roma Support Group, 020 7511 0800
Shelter, 0844 5152216