The local legal community comes together to support free frontline legal advice services in Chichester, Hampshire and West Sussex.

London Legal Support Trust (LLST) is delighted to confirm the Chichester Legal Walk is back for the twilight of the summer on Tuesday 12th September.

Led by HHJ, Sarah Earley, the 10km sponsored Walk unites local law firms, barristers’ chambers, advice agencies, in house legal departments, and students to raise both awareness and funds for the provision of pro bono legal advice to some of the most vulnerable members of the community. One of the largest organisations in the area, Pallant Chambers, are already registered to take part. In 2022, there were close to 100 walkers and the Walk hopes to exceed that this year!

The demand for advice services, especially in the areas of debt, benefits, homelessness and housing has increased dramatically during the cost of living crisis. That means the funds raised by the Walk are more important than ever. Taking part in the Chichester Legal Walk raises vital funds for local advice agencies, including Citizens Advice Arun & Chichester and Citizens Advice Havant, with everything raised going directly to these agencies.

Bob Nightingale MBE, Head of Fundraising and founder of LLST, remains more passionate than ever that the sector needs support and funds in a year that has seen austerity and hardship increase. He commented, “As the cost-of-living crisis takes its toll on people up and down the country, it’s more important than ever that we come together to support our local advice agencies. Free legal advice is a fundamental human right, and the incredible advice agencies that this event supports are increasingly in demand. Thank you to all the teams who have signed up so far and those who have made donations –we are looking forward to walking shoulder to shoulder in Chichester.” 

Teams will begin to arrive from 4.30pm for a 5pm start for the circular route, which starts and ends at the Chichester Festival Theatre, with a free drink’s reception.

LLST welcome any organisation, or individual, who are passionate about the fantastic cause of supporting their local community. There is still plenty of time for new teams to join and LLST will set up a fundraising page to help you get started.

You can find out more information on the LLST website and/or register via a very short form. For more information, please email the friendly events team at signups@llst.org.uk