A NEW project set up by Citizens Advice aims to give legal help and advice to people in Craven.

As well as offering help in solving everyday problems, it will also give support to those representing themselves in court.

Three newly recruited specialist advisers are already helping with issues around housing, family law and discrimination.

Citizens Advice says the aim is to reduce the number of people who need to go to court by giving early legal advice and guidance.

It says people who do need to go to court can get help in understanding their rights and in preparing for the day, and for vulnerable clients who would otherwise be unable to go to court, representation will be provided.

Citizens Advice Mid-North Yorkshire, Scarborough District Citizens Advice and Kirklees Citizens Advice and Law Centre have come together in partnership to deliver the ‘Litigants in Person’ project, making sure that residents in Craven and across North Yorkshire have access to specialist legal advice. This covers the areas of housing, family law and discrimination experienced at work, in housing or in receiving benefits.

Carol Shreeve, chief executive of Citizens Advice Mid-North Yorkshire, said: “ Because of Covid there has been an increase in people needing legal advice, especially as the impact of job losses and business closures hit home.

“While this project is about preventing people having to go to court, it is also about empowering people, giving them the support and legal advice they need if they are either being discriminated against, are at risk of losing their home or are struggling to navigate a complex family problem, especially if they cannot afford to pay for expert advice or representation.”

Contact the free Adviceline: 0808 278 7900.