Building legal literacy in organisations that support people experiencing multiple disadvantage

We present a case study ofspecialist welfare advice and advocacy for people experiencingmultiple disadvantage (i.e. a combination of homelessness, contactwith the criminal justice system, substance misuse, mental illhealth). Drawing primarily on qualitative interviews with staff andstakeholders, we demonstrate the need for, and success of, specialistbenefits advice for this customer group. Substantial financial gainswere awarded, providing a greater level of security and stability,which increased customers' housing options. We highlight a need forgreater recognition across organisations that work with customersexperiencing multiple disadvantage, that welfare benefits are a legalentitlement. Implications for policy and practice are discussed,including the importance of: developing confidence and a 'lawinformed' mindset in frontline staff; advisors buildingrelationships with staff to achieve this; preparatory work withpartner organisations to develop a shared understanding of what isinvolved and expectations. Ultimately, a culture of legal literacymust be cultivated at the individual (frontline staff) andorganisational (partner host) levels. Stakeholders had concerns aboutthe future of such initiatives in the context of further fundingcuts; there is a risk that legal literacy development programmesbecome marginalised at a time when they are most needed.