Ruth's story-Ruth, a disabled widow and former asylum seeker, was evicted from her private rented home and suddenly had nowhere safe to go. When she turned to the council for help, she was told she had no priority need — and her temporary accommodation, already unsafe because of stairs, was cancelled. She felt frightened and abandoned.
She reached out to one of the specialist legal advice services we fund, and found an adviser who fought for her. They challenged the decision and demanded a review. When the council failed to respond, legal action was prepared, and the council backed down — reinstating her accommodation and accepting a full housing duty. A further challenge showed the property was unsuitable. Another legal push finally secured a safe, ground‑floor one‑bed home near transport links. Ruth also recovered over £5,000 in backdated housing benefit. For the first time in years, she felt safe — and able to live her life with dignity.
When Ruth was left without a safe place to live, free legal advice helped her challenge unfair decisions.
With 2 months to go until the London #LegalWalk, fundraising now helps ensure life‑changing legal advice is there when it’s needed most.
#WhyWeWalk #AccessToJustice
