Building legal literacy in organisations that support people experiencing multiple disadvantage

We present a case study ofspecialist welfare advice and advocacy for people experiencingmultiple disadvantage (i.e. a combination of homelessness, contactwith the criminal justice system, substance misuse, mental illhealth). Drawing primarily on qualitative interviews with staff andstakeholders, we demonstrate the need for, and success of, specialistbenefits advice for this customer group. Substantial financial gainswere awarded, providing a greater level of security and stability,which increased customers' housing options. We highlight a need forgreater recognition across organisations that work with customersexperiencing multiple disadvantage, that welfare benefits are a legalentitlement. Implications for policy and practice are discussed,including the importance of: developing confidence and a 'lawinformed' mindset in frontline staff; advisors buildingrelationships with staff to achieve this; preparatory work withpartner organisations to develop a shared understanding of what isinvolved and expectations. Ultimately, a culture of legal literacymust be cultivated at the individual (frontline staff) andorganisational (partner host) levels. Stakeholders had concerns aboutthe future of such initiatives in the context of further fundingcuts; there is a risk that legal literacy development programmesbecome marginalised at a time when they are most needed.

Automated summary

Based on qualitative interviews, we demonstrate the importance and success of specialist welfare advice and advocacy for people experiencing multiple disadvantages. Substantial financial gains were achieved through providing specialist benefits advice, increasing customers' housing options. We highlight the need for greater recognition of welfare benefits as a legal entitlement and discuss implications for policy and practice, emphasizing the development of legal literacy at both individual and organizational levels.