Frontline community workers from the local area are invited to gather in Bega on 29 November to hear first-hand stories about homelessness and the impact of the legal system on disadvantaged people.
The community service workers will join a free one-day training workshop presented by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) and Legal Aid NSW. Called Law for Non-Lawyers, the workshop addresses common legal problems faced by homeless people. These include problems with fines and debt, tenancy problems and problems with Centrelink. Those interested in attending should contact Legal Aid NSW Solicitor Lyn Larkins on 4422 4351.
One of the workshop speakers is Kevin, a person whose own experience of homelessness shatters the stereotypes. Kevin now contributes to government advisory bodies as a voice for homeless people.
Law for Non-Lawyers will also provide information for local community workers about Legal Aid’s new homeless outreach service, which is a recent addition to Legal Aid’s other free civil law advice services in the area.
Legal Aid Solicitor Lyn Larkins said the aim of Legal Aid’s homeless outreach service is to assist clients to deal with their legal issues. ‘This can break the cycle of homelessness or prevent circumstances leading to homelessness,’ Ms Larkins said.
Legal Aid’s homeless outreach service currently provides free legal advice to people experiencing homelessness in the Far South Coast region. Legal clinics are held on the second Friday of each month: at Eden from 9am to 10:30am at Campbell Page, 155 Imlay Street; and at Bega from 11:30am to 1:30pm, at Ricky’s Place, St John’s Anglican Church.
MEDIA CONTACTS: PIAC Media and Communications Officer, Keren Lavelle: 02 8898 6500; 0431 485 335; Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW, Lyn Larkins: 02 4422 4351
Photo: Flickr/publik16