LawWorks (the operating name of the Solicitors Pro Bono Group) is a charity committed to enabling access to justice through free legal advice. We believe in the power of pro bono legal advice to help improve the lives of people in need.

For 25 years, LawWorks has facilitated pro bono legal advice, ensuring that those in need are able to access support. We do this by supporting and developing pro bono activity and legal advice clinics across England and Wales; brokering legal advice to small not-for-profit organisations; training and supervising volunteer lawyers in under-resourced areas of social welfare law; and influencing change to policy that hinders the provision of free legal advice and assistance to the individuals who need it.

One such individual is Aisha, a 63-year-old woman who suffers from a number of health problems including chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic pain and osteoarthritis. Aisha received Disability Living Allowance for seven years, but had to complete another application when the benefit changed its name to Personal Independence Payment (PIP). After a medical assessment, and despite the severity of her conditions, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) awarded her nil points when they assessed her claim - which meant that she was not entitled to any benefits at all.

Aisha, who does not speak fluent English and could not afford to pay for a lawyer, was referred to LawWorks for free legal advice. LawWorks recruits and trains volunteer lawyers to help clients in this situation and, with supervision from LawWorks, the volunteer lawyers assisted Aisha and her husband to appeal the DWP decision. The volunteer lawyers obtained further medical evidence, prepared a written submission in support of Aisha's case and represented her at her tribunal hearing on the telephone, with the help of an interpreter.

The Tribunal took only 30 minutes to overturn the decision of the DWP and awarded Aisha the maximum number of points she could obtain for a PIP award, giving her a total annual benefit payment of £4,635 in addition to arrears from the date of her application. Unusually, she was also granted PIP for an indefinite period.

Of LawWorks and the volunteer lawyers, Aisha says, 'They supported us at a time when we had nowhere else to turn. The benefit payments have made a real difference to my life because I can now afford to buy the clothes and food that I need. I was treated with respect and kindness by the lawyers and I'm so grateful to them for their help.'

Your contribution will help ensure that we can continue to serve clients like Aisha and champion the power of pro bono for another 25 years. You can do this by taking on a fundraising challenge, making a donation directly, or sharing our campaign with your networks. Thank you for your support!