Welcome to the first issue of Worcestershire Community Legal Service (CLSP) Digest. This is a guide to what is happening in the local advice sector and a chance to have a say in how advice could be improved in the County. There will be regular editions of the Digest and your input is most welcome.

What is the Community Legal Service Partnership?

Worcestershire CLSP was launched in June 2001. The partnership aims to bring together the main Funders of Legal Services with the Providers of the advice in the Worcestershire County

The Partnership Steering Group is Chaired by Councillor Adrian Hardman, County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Resources, Cultural and Community Services. The Group currently has input from Painters Solicitors, Community First, Malvern Hills and Worcester CABs, the Councils of Redditch, Bromsgrove, Worceter City, Wychavon, Malvern Hills and Wyre Forest, the Legal Services Commission, WREC, Age Concern and DIAL NW.

Together these organisations make strategic decisions as to how best to meet the local communities need for legal services. It also aims to assist providers to share information and refer clients easier and match them to the correct service provider.

Who should get involved?

local councillors, voluntary organisations, and community groups.

Your interest is important. In order to make the Worcestershire Partnership work, we must secure involvement from all parts of the community.

Partnership Initiative Budget

The Legal Services Commission is pleased to announce a further round of the Partnership Initiative Budget, which will be for ₤6 million over a 3-year period from June 2003. Bids will need to relate to needs identified and objectives set out in the Worcestershire CLSP’s Strategic Plan and must be in by 31/01/03.

If you would like to discuss the viability of a potential bid, contact in first instance, Matt Greenhill on (0121) 665 4824.

About your organisation

Want to include a feature on your organisation in the CLSP Digest? Send no more than 200 words to the Editor, Matt Greenhill, Legal Services Commission, 5 Hill Street, Birmingham B5 4UD.