From Insight to Action: Highlights from our Understanding Legal Need Research Workshop Developing a Sustainable Legal Support Ecosystem in Coventry 24 June 2025 Across the UK, unresolved legal issues are driving people into crisis, affecting housing, income, health, and wellbeing. In Coventry, a three-year study led by the University of Warwick School of Law, in partnership with Central England Law Centre and Advicenow, brings this reality into sharp focus. Co-produced with seven frontline organisations, the research centres on the lived experiences of people often excluded from traditional legal needs studies, including migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, women experiencing social exclusion, individuals with mental ill-health, young people at risk of homelessness, and those relying on foodbanks. The findings present a clear message: legal need is widespread, escalating, and deeply intertwined with structural disadvantage. The report highlighted a shift in approach, from reacting late to acting early, from working in silos to building collaboration, and from disconnected approaches to ones that are grounded in local knowledge. These changes aren't just possible, they’re essential if we want to build a model that can be sustained and replicated at a national level. On 10th June, 35 representatives from a wide range of statutory and voluntary organisations across Coventry came together to explore the findings of the report and how we can work together to respond. Attendees included colleagues from health, local government, community groups, and advice services, all bringing valuable perspectives on how legal need shows up in their work and in the lives of the people they support, and what we can collectively do to respond. The event, grounded in the lived experiences of people facing complex legal issues, focused on three key questions: How do we step in earlier with legal support? How do we build local alliances that put rights at the heart of addressing inequality? How do we build lasting legal knowledge, skills, and confidence within communities? These questions were brought to life through powerful case studies, highlighting the urgent need for earlier, more connected support. Key Findings Our research identified three central insights: 1. People experience clusters of interrelated problems, often with devastating consequences Most participants had faced 4–6 social welfare issues in under three years, far higher than the general population. Common issues included welfare benefits, housing, and health-related challenges. When unresolved, these problems led to serious consequences including loss of income, declining health, and even destitution. Many issues stemmed not just from life changes, but from systemic barriers. 2. There are significant barriers to recognising and addressing these problems Many participants did not realise their issue was legal in nature or felt powerless to act. When support was sought, it often came too late or was unavailable, particularly for those facing digital exclusion or unable to access legal aid. The system is difficult to navigate without support. 3. Trusted intermediaries play a critical role Those who received help from trusted community organisations were far more likely to access legal support. These intermediaries provided more than just referrals, they identified issues, built trust, supported action, and acted as advocates. Their impact was greatest when they had strong links with advice and legal services. Towards an Ecosystem of Legal Support While these stories may seem exceptional, they reflect common experiences for many in our communities. The research highlights that there is already an informal ecosystem of legal support in Coventry, one that could be strengthened through deeper collaboration, clearer pathways, and shared strategy. Trusted intermediaries are already filling crucial gaps. However, this often happens informally and without the resources or remit to do so. As we consider how to respond to growing legal need in the city, we must: Address the systemic drivers of legal issues. Expand access to advice and legal services. Think creatively about how to stretch resources further, without overburdening frontline organisations. Develop a shared understanding of what effective legal support looks like across services. Answering those 3 fundamental questions In response, participants focused their discussions on how we can work together to identify and implement practical ways forward: How do we step in earlier with legal support? Build urgency and understanding across the frontline - many social problems have a legal dimension. Reframe how we talk about rights - develop accessible, inclusive language. Equip colleagues and volunteers in trusted organisations to recognise and respond to legal issues according to their capacity. How do we build alliances that put rights at the centre? Create regular spaces to discuss emerging rights issues - a Legal Rights Alliance for Coventry. Embed legal support in work addressing social determinants of health. Use data (both administrative and anecdotal) to proactively target support. How do we build lasting legal knowledge in communities? Involve trusted community champions to share legal knowledge. Improve citywide messaging on rights and policy changes through trusted networks. Explore innovative and technical solutions to improve access to high quality rights information. “Where young people understand their rights, we see better engagement and outcomes.”– Ash, St Basils Youth Hub Commitments from our partners Big picture commitments for change Advocate for the inclusion of legal need in system change and health inequality work. Share research across health and system partners. Provide leadership and support for new and existing alliances. Assess how their own service areas can support the research recommendations. Putting it into practice Going forward, Central England Law Centre and Citizens Advice resources will be available in our community venues. We will be making better use of platforms like Advicenow. Strengthening our university partnerships to support early intervention and public legal education. Identify training opportunities to upskill our teams in legal rights awareness. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and contributed to such an honest and thoughtful discussion. The event showed the strength of what’s already happening in Coventry, but it also made clear that more needs to be done. Together, we will be working hard to build a stronger system of support, rooted in collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to making rights a reality for everyone. Find out more about the research and download a copy of the full report and/or an executive summary Manage Cookie Preferences