Legal advisory and information services

Tender description

Community advice and legal support services within the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The tender is structured in three (3) lots as follows: — LOT1: General community advice services, and management of a community library and neighbourhood centre. — LOT2: Specialist Legal Advice, Casework, and Representation on housing matters that fall outside the scope of eligibility for Legal Aid. — LOT3: Specialist community advice and support for disabled people (adults and children). Provision of advice and information on a wide range of welfare benefits, personal, debt, housing, employment, and similar matters through one-off and on-going and on-going sessions with service users. This will include performance of these services at advice centres, and via assisted self-help at information hubs including libraries and food banks. The contract will include the management of a local community library and neighbourhood centre, which is an integral part of this lot. Provision of specialist legal advice, particularly in respect of tenants and leaseholders' rights on housing matters. This will include referrals from Council departments, end-to-end legal casework, and where required legal representation at court. It will also include the provision of advice and legal support training to volunteers and local voluntary and community organisations. The funding of legal aid work will not, though, be included under the contract. Provision of specialist legal advice and support for ill and disabled residents (adults and children) and their carers. This will include attendance at Personal Independence Panels and Work Capability Assessments, Work Forward Interviews, and Appeal Tribunals. This will include referrals from medical professionals, voluntary organisations, and Council departments providing adult social care, children's services (especially around Special Educational Needs), housing, and public health.