The Newcastle Legal Walk on the 3rd of July was a resounding success, bringing together over 100 participants from across the legal community, raising over £1,000 and counting for access to justice.

Solicitors, barristers, and members of Newcastle’s legal community came together to walk 12 kilometres from Newcastle Helix around Newcastle, finishing at the Quayside, in a strong show of support for increasing free legal advice and representation. Their efforts recognise access to justice not only as a professional principle, but as a shared commitment to ensure legal advice reaches people most in need.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated, donated, and organised this incredible event. Special recognition goes to Tess Dupont and Olivia Horne from Womble Bond Dickinson, whose dedication made the event possible.

We're also grateful to the President of Newcastle Law Society, Paul Brown, for opening the walk with inspiring words and to Rachel McPeake from the North East Law Centre, who reminded attendees at the finish line of the impact the funds raised will have, and how their current grants from The Access to Justice Foundation is making a real difference in the community.

Where Your Fundraising Makes a Difference

Funds raised from the Newcastle Legal Walk will enable The Access to Justice Foundation to make more grants to law centres, community organisations, and advice agencies across the Northeast.

One such organisation is Your Voice Counts, based in Gateshead. The team delivers advocacy and advice to people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and others at risk of exclusion. In 2023/24 alone they advocated for over 1,500 people, offering support with housing, welfare, and financial wellbeing.

In addition to this, their Community Team conducts quality checks at four GP surgeries helping improve accessibility for patients with learning disability. They are also working with the Chopwell Regeneration projects community hub to provide weekly drop-in advice surgeries, bringing much needed support to underserved communities.

Every step taken by walkers translates into helping organisations like Your Voice Counts give practical support to disabled people navigating welfare systems, families facing eviction, and individuals challenging discrimination.

The JustGiving page remains open for those who want to support the walkers and extend the impact of their fundraising efforts.

Become a Regular Supporter

Consider setting up a regular donation to The Access to Justice Foundation or proposing us as your firm's charity of the year. Sustained support allows us to plan strategically and fund long-term projects that create lasting change.

Donate Residual Client Balances

Your firms can donate unclaimed client funds where the client cannot be traced. Every amount, no matter how small, is pooled to help us make impactful grants to help communities most in need. We also offer indemnities to protect your firm should a client come forward.

Support through Pro Bono Costs Orders

Lawyers can maximise the impact of their pro bono work by applying for a Pro Bono Costs Order (PBCO) in civil courts, tribunals, or settlements. As the designated recipient of PBCOs, we direct these funds to support frontline pro bono legal advice services. This means your pro bono work can help not just one client but contribute to funding that supports many more. We’re encouraging all our legal colleagues from trainees to barristers to request PBCOs wherever they’re applicable.

For more information about supporting our work, visit https://atjf.org.uk or contact: Eve Slater, Development Officer, The Access to Justice Foundation eveslater@atjf.org.uk