Legal Services

Preliminary research indicated that “language” or poor English language skills are one of the most pertinent barriers to uptake of advice services. The BME population in north Wales not only has to negotiate the phenomena of rurality but they are also vulnerable to social isolation and exclusion from many mainstream provisions.

Our aim is to provide a downloadable virtual supportive interface between frontline advice workers and BME clients, thus insuring that clients whose first language is not English, have confidence in the service and an understanding of the signposting mechanisms

The migrant or newly-arrived BME population has significant unmet need and is not yet receiving the attention of either specialist minority organisations or mainstream bodies. Issues of racism, discrimination, loneliness and provision of information and advice require particular support services. Small numbers do not equate to small needs.

The Legal Services Commission provides a valuable source of information and advice for BME individuals and they have supported us, through project funding, to highlight and signpost to their services and work towards a multi lingual interface to make it easier for Information Givers to help BME individuals.

• Legal Services Commission