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Legal advice

Help me!

Types of help

There are two main sorts of help you can get.

  • Legal advice helps you stand up for your rights and understand how the law works. For example, you could get legal advice if you're homeless and need accommodation, if you are being excluded from school, or if you're in care and need services.
  • Advocacy services provide you with someone who can take your side, and, for example, speak on your behalf at meetings or contact organisations if something or someone is blocking your rights.

Getting help

You might be able to get help from your parents, friends, or trusted adults like teachers or youth workers. But if not, the organisations below may be able to help with whatever issues or problems you're facing.

First, what kind of help do you need?

I need general help

National Youth Advocacy Service(NYAS)
Info, advocacy and legal advice: phone 0800 61 61 01 or email help@nyas.net

Youth Access
Online info with details of local organisations who can give you advice, counselling and support.

I'm in trouble with the law

The Howard League for Penal Reform
Legal advice for under-18s caught up in the criminal justice system or prison: call 020 7249 7373.

I'm being excluded from school

Save the Children - London
Independent advice and advocacy on education: phone 020 8741 4054 or email c.rees@savethechildren.org.uk.

I'm a refugee/asylum seeker

The Refugee Council's Children's Panel
Advice and support for young and unaccompanied asylum seekers and refugees: phone 020 7346 1134 or drop into their office at 240 Ferndale Road, Brixton SW9 8BB

National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS)
Service for young refugees and asylum seekers: phone 0800 61 61 01 or email help@nyas.net

Local help

If you live in Enfield and are 8 to 19 years old, you can get legal advice and representation locally. Streetlegal is based at Enfield Law Centre, and you can either call them on 020 8807 8888 or go to their drop-in service every Wednesday between 6 and 7.15pm at Enfield Foyer, 279-281 Fore Street, Edmonton N9 0PD.

If you're between 11 and 25, and live, work or study in Croydon or Bromley, Streetwise Community Law Centre can give you free legal advice on issues like homelessness, benefit problems, exclusion from school, special educational needs and problems at work or college. Phone them on 020 8778 5854 or email lawcentre@youthaction.org.uk.

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