Reaching out to Merton’s communities
In 2023, South West London Law Centres received generous funding from Merton Council’s Civic Pride Fund.
Designed to support the voluntary and community sector for three years up to March 2026, the funding the Law Centre received was earmarked for benefitting people who live, work or study in the borough.
Aligning the funding with the council’s Working Better With Communities framework, we were able to sustain two Outreach projects in Merton. These regular sessions offer locals the opportunity to receive in-person advice on their money, debt and housing concerns.
One-to-one economic advice
On the first and third Friday of each month, Merton Commonside Community Centre hosts an Economic Justice Outreach event, where Crisis Navigator Ash Lewis and Welfare Paralegal Ryan Tang advise clients on welfare.
“This is our opportunity to provide onsite assistance to clients, whether they’ve booked appointments or are walk-ins on the day,” says Ash. “I feel like it definitely makes an impact.
“I’ve seen various clients in Merton who require face-to-face appointments but prefer to see us in a communal location. Having somewhere close by to turn to means we can provide advice and support that Merton residents wouldn’t have been able to access without the outreach.”
The outreach sessions also help SWLLC to offer a more joined-up approach when it comes to local services.
Recently, the team received an email, forwarded from one of our community outreach partners, from Merton MP Siobhain McDonagh to the DWP, regarding a resident’s PIP submission on behalf of her 16-year-old disabled son.
The deadline for the form to be returned was fast approaching, and the family hadn’t received any help in completing the form. We know clients have a much higher success rate when they receive appropriate support to fill out the form, but our next available appointment was after the deadline.
Thanks to the Merton project, Ryan was able to support the resident by applying for an extension of her PIP submission date and inviting her to the next outreach session.
“In this case, as the client is not always able to manage paperwork, I was able to fill out the PIP application on behalf of her family,” says Ryan. “I was also able to ask for the medical evidence required for a complete application. Once that’s in place, I’ll be submitting it for her.
“Our service becomes more comprehensive once a client attends outreach, and that can range from follow-ups to full casework. It’s a great way of reaching Merton residents.”
Help with housing
Meanwhile, Housing and Welfare Benefits Paralegal Holly Pritchard supports people in Merton looking for housing advice.
“I provide clients with one-off guidance on a range of housing issues, including possession and eviction, disrepair, homelessness and social housing,” Holly says. “The outreach has been particularly valuable in offering a face-to-face service for residents in Merton.
“Clients can leave the session with a clearer understanding of their options, practical next steps, and access to further support where needed.”
Having members of the Economic Justice team in attendance at outreach also allows us to take a more holistic approach towards supporting clients in Merton.
“For example, if someone raises a benefits issue that’s contributing to rent arrears and putting their housing at risk, we can ensure they receive advice and support on both aspects of their situation,” says Holly.
“The service helps give them the confidence and information they need to take action.”
Positive feedback
The feedback from clients in Merton since the outreach sessions began has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It’s been quite surprising,” says Ash. “Various people who attend the community centre know me by name, and I’ve had clients keen to thank me with anything from breakfast at the community centre café to a crate of fruit!”
“The outreach sessions are particularly rewarding, because they help bridge a gap in access to justice,” adds Holly. “People often feel more comfortable discussing their circumstances in a familiar community setting, which helps to build trust and encourages them to seek advice at an earlier stage, before problems escalate.
“I think the funding from Merton Council has been invaluable, particularly given the pressures on legal aid services and the limited capacity of legal aid solicitors to meet demand.
“It also helps address the fact that some housing issues don’t fall within the scope of Legal Aid. By providing accessible advice in the community, the service ensures that residents can access support as early as possible.”
Our Temporary Accommodation Action Groups
Alongside the Economic Justice Outreach, Merton Commonside Community Centre has been home to our Temporary Accommodation Action Groups since June.
Meeting on the third Friday of every month, the action groups focus on people living in temporary accommodation, allowing them to share their experience and knowledge and collectively push for change.
“Commonside Trust has been wonderful at supporting this new initiative, and we’ve received plenty of enthusiasm from Merton Council,” says Community, Campaigns, and Policy Manager Rhiannon Hughes.
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“We were already running successful temporary accommodation forums in Wandsworth, and Merton Council wanted us to expand them into the borough.
“Previous meetings have been attended by local councillors Sonia Phillips and Mertin Welton, who have been keen to learn more about our work. Siobhain McDonagh, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on temporary accommodation, has also visited.
“We know that campaigning and legal advice need to work together to best serve our community. Running our meetings alongside Merton’s one-to-one legal advice sessions is one of the reasons they work so well.
“Through this outreach programme, we’re already noticing trends in systems and policies that are harming people in Merton. We look forward to working together with the council to bring lasting and meaningful change to improve temporary accommodation.”
Find out more about our Outreach programme here.