Law Clinic student film: Our work with CLIC Sargent

Press release issued: 17 December 2018

Student advisors from the University of Bristol Law Clinic have made a new short video explaining their outreach work with CLIC Sargent, the UK's leading cancer charity. The video outlines information on the pro bono services aimed at helping parents of children and young people living with cancer in terms of managing the legal obstacles that arise with the diagnosis.

In their short video, Law Clinic student advisors currently working with CLIC Sargent put together information about their services for families and individuals in need of legal advice and support. The types of work covered include housing, benefits, contract, employment, personal injury, family, education and community care, with a flexible service to book appointments or come by during weekly drop in sessions from 1-3pm every Wednesday.

Before the partnership between the Law Clinic and CLIC Sargent there was no legal support on offer to families whilst their child had treatment in local hospitals. Some families are from Bristol, but many are living away from home to be near their child. It is very difficult for families to travel or spend hours on the phone to find out about their legal position, so the Law Clinic’s drop-in sessions make everything much easier – providing an essential service at a very difficult time.

The use of the CLIC Sargent Home from Home, ‘Sam’s House’, where families can stay for free to be near their child, has proved an ideal place for the drop-in. Some of the families staying in Sam’s House have been able to use the service whilst staying close to the hospitals. Overall, the service has been well received and is regularly attended with an average of one to three referrals each week.

The students have provided an exceptional service and are supported by Law Clinic staff who have an overview of the cases before the students are allocated to pre-empt any potential issues. Students have indicated that the experience has not just enhanced their professional learning but also them personally. Students also have access to a counselling service to help them deal with the potential emotional impact via the Law Clinic.

Mariya Kolomiyets won the 2016/17 Law Clinic Volunteer of the Year award and was instrumental in setting up a partnership with CLIC Sargent:

“In the Law Clinic there are real opportunities to connect the relationships that you build in the community with the legal knowledge you’ve gained in the School. I am most proud to have been involved in the set-up of the CLIC Sargent drop-in sessions. It is a true accomplishment and demonstrates the dedication, hard work, and the impact that the Clinic is making on the community.”

The Law Clinic is hoping to expand their involvement with CLIC in future to increase the availability of legal help for families.

Watch ‘Our work with CLIC Sargent’, a new film by the students of the University of Bristol Law Clinic on Youtube.

Further information

The Law Clinic provides students with an opportunity to gain a real-life experience of law, offering free legal advice and support to members of the public under the supervision of Law School staff.