Newham Law & Social Justice Collaborative

Empowering Communities Through Legal Access and Social Justice

The Newham Law & Social Justice Collaborative brings together legal professionals, social justice advocates, and community organisations to address the critical legal and systemic challenges faced by residents across the borough. We are dedicated to creating a fairer, safer, and more inclusive Newham by improving access to justice, building community resilience, and driving systemic change.

🧭 Our Purpose

Bridge the Justice Gap
With over half of Newham residents born outside the UK—many living in temporary housing—access to legal support is vital. Our collaborative partners with organisations like Fieldfisher and the Public Law Project to identify unmet legal needs across the borough
Evidence-Based Advocacy
We support initiatives like “From Disparity to Fairness – Legal Access in Newham”, a report launched in Parliament that outlines barriers to justice and provides actionable recommendations for change

🔍 What We Do

Coordinate Pro Bono Legal Support
We bring together legal aid groups, advocates, and specialist lawyers to provide culturally competent, no-cost legal assistance—particularly vital in areas like housing, immigration, and benefits.
Community Listening & Research
Through listening sessions and partnerships with constituency surgeries, we gather real-life insights—such as cases involving mold-induced asthma and immigration delays—to inform our advocacy.
Systemic Advocacy & Campaigning
We work to influence local and national policy—such as legal aid reform and court fees—so justice is truly accessible for all.
Local Law Centre Development
We’re working with partners to establish a permanent Newham Law Centre, with collaborative planning underway on legal tech trials, resourcing, and governance.

👥 Who Should Join

Legal professionals and pro bono volunteers
Advice agencies, community advocates, and caseworkers
People with lived experience of the legal system
Organisations campaigning for social, racial or economic justice

📅 Get Involved

Attend our collaborative network meetings
Participate in research and community outreach
Join working groups or support legal education clinics
Help co-develop the Newham Law Centre strategy

If you’re passionate about justice and community impact, we want to hear from you.

Chair – Sir Stephen Timms MP

Secretariat – One Newham
info@onenewham.org.uk.

🌍 Why It Matters

By working together, we are not just responding to legal needs—we’re shaping a borough where justice is within everyone’s reach, and no resident is left without support. Our collective action is what strengthens Newham’s fabric of fairness and opportunity.