Breaking down barriers through early legal support - Evidence shows the power of early intervention

Evidence from one of our longest-running programmes shows just how powerful early intervention can be. By helping people access legal support sooner, the programme is enabling individuals to resolve issues more quickly, avoid unnecessary stress and cost, improve their wellbeing and confidence, and secure fair outcomes during some of the most difficult periods of their lives. 

Since launching in July 2023, the programme has supported more than 184,000 clients with over 265,000 legal issues. Across participating organisations, 75% of client issues were resolved before reaching court or tribunal, demonstrating the value of helping people access advice at the earliest possible stage. 

Many of the people who need legal support most face significant barriers to accessing it.

Harrow Law Centre found that some communities, particularly people whose first language is not English, can struggle to access digital services and often prefer face-to-face support. In response, the organisation has adapted its approach by providing in-person advice and taking services directly into communities, partnering with trusted grassroots groups and local organisations where people already seek support.

Organisations are also helping people navigate complex and highly stressful situations.

For survivors of domestic abuse who are representing themselves in court, legal proceedings can be intimidating and retraumatising. Organisations such as Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services provide trauma-informed support that helps individuals feel more confident, informed and in control throughout the process.

The impact is reflected in the experiences of those receiving support.

One client supported by Citizens Advice Flintshire shared:

Early legal advice does more than solve immediate problems. It can change the course of someone’s life.

Across the programme, organisations are finding new ways to connect with people earlier, helping prevent issues from becoming more complex, costly and difficult to resolve.

The financial benefits are significant too. Through its welfare benefits advice service, Stockton and District Advice and Information Service expects to generate more than £8.7 million in additional income and financial gains for local residents over the lifetime of the grant, helping people improve their financial security and resilience. 

A key lesson from the programme is that support works best when it is available in places people already know and trust.

Many organisations have expanded their outreach into community settings such as food banks, family hubs, community centres and specialist support groups. By bringing legal advice directly into communities, they are reaching people who may never have approached a traditional advice service.

One example is the advice bus operated by Friends, Families and Travellers, which visits local authority sites across Sussex each week. The service allows people to access advice quickly and conveniently, without having to call a helpline or join a waiting list. 100% of those who received support report increased confidence, 98% reported improved knowledge and skills and 100% with a greater ability to cope. These outcomes are particularly significant given the organisation’s work with Roma, Traveller and Gypsy communities who often face discrimination, stigma and other barriers when trying to access vital support.

The evidence is clear: early legal support works.

It helps people resolve problems before they escalate, strengthens understanding of rights and options, improves confidence and wellbeing, and supports fair outcomes when people need them most.

However, demand for support continues to grow. Frontline organisations consistently report that legal issues are becoming more complex and often require more time and resources to resolve.

To meet this growing need, trusted advice organisations require sustainable and flexible funding that enables them to reach people earlier, before problems develop into crises. With the right support in place, more people can access justice, protect their rights and build a more secure future.