Legal Surgeries
Release operates a number of legal surgeries at drug treatment centres throughout London. The purpose of this scheme is to provide legal advice and assistance to drug users who access these programmes; the advice can range from welfare issues to housing law including homelessness through to matters involving debt.
Currently we provide this service to Westminster Drug Project in Westbourne Park, the Caravan Project at Praed Street, Drugs Advisory Service Haringey (DASH), Blenheim CDP, Druglink Shepherds Bush, 61 Munster Road Fulham, Tower Hamlets Drug Intervention Programme, the Elizabeth Fry Centre Hackney and Brent Addaction.
This is a service that is free to attendees of the drug project. As a small campaigning charity, Release relies on your help to continue to provide this service. If you are able to help, please make a donation today.
'I had been sexually assaulted in my flat and was suffering harassment. A legal advisor from Release submitted arguments to the local Council, who were my landlord and I was moved to a new flat.' (Female, 30)
The legal surgeries prove very successful in reaching people who might normally experience difficulty in accessing this type of advice and information. We are looking to expand this service to other locations in the near future.
If you would be interested in further information regarding the legal surgeries please contact Niamh Eastwood, Head of Legal Services on 020 7324 2980.
'I had been released from hospital and I had nowhere to go. Release got me emergency housing and helped me with my benefits.' (Male, 37)
'I had debts of over £100,000 and with Release's assistance many of the debts were quashed or a minimal repayment plan was entered into. Four years later I was debt free.' (Male, 35)
Legal Surgery — A Case Study
Tom (45 year old male)
Tom saw the Release legal advisor at his local drug project as he had been excluded from his home because the police had obtained a Closure Order from the Court. These orders can be obtained by the police where there is suspicion of Class A drug use and nuisance behaviour.
Tom had a long-term crack cocaine problem and had a dispute with his neighbour. The Release lawyer explained to Tom that the order essentially meant he would be excluded from his home for at least 3 months and was at risk of eviction proceedings as his landlord was the local council. The legal team at Release has had a lot of experience with this process and was able to provide in depth advice.
Tom was provided with criminal representation in respect of the Closure Order with the hope of appealing against the original order. When at Court, evidence was heard from the neighbour who was in dispute with Tom, as well as his next-door neighbour who provided evidence supporting Tom. Despite this, the appeal was denied, arguably Tom was victimised because of his drug use, as the evidence of nuisance was at the best flimsy.
Tom's landlord started eviction proceedings against him whilst he was out of the property. Release organised for him to see a specialist housing solicitor and she successfully defended the landlord's claim. Once the Closure order had expired Tom was able to return to the property.
Release continues to campaign against the use of Closure Orders as a form of controlling perceived anti social behaviour.