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Coventry Law Centre wins national award
03 October 2006
Coventry Law Centre has been recognised nationally for its work in tackling inequality. The local charity, which provides free advice and representation on a wide range of social welfare issues, won the Law Society ‘Solicitors Race Equality Award’ for “Best Race Equality Initiative”.
Law Centre staff receiving the Best Race Equality Initiative award
The judges, who included Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty, and Fiona Woolf, President of the Law Society, praised the work being undertaken by the Law Centre to make people aware that they do not have to suffer in silence if they suffer discrimination, and to encourage victims to come forward for help.
Sue Bent, Director of Coventry Law Centre, said “We have been working closely with other agencies in the city to raise awareness of the legal rights that exist to protect people from discrimination. We have had posters displayed around the city and we are offering training and running advice surgeries for community organisations.”
The Law Centre has been supported by the Coventry Partnership’s Equalities and Communities Theme Group, and over 30 statutory and voluntary organisations have signed up to support the awareness raising campaign.
Staff from the Law Centre received the award at a presentation by Lord Falconer, the Lord Chancellor, in London, which was also attended by Trevor Phillips, Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality.
“The award is a fantastic recognition of the dedication and commitment of the staff at the Law Centre, and we are thrilled to have been selected”, said Sue. “However, the real reward is the increase in people now coming forward for help. It is by fighting discrimination when it occurs that we can change society for the better.”
The Law Centre runs a discrimination helpline on Wednesdays between 4.00pm and 5.30pm on 024 7625 3169
024
7622 3053