National Pro Bono Week (6 November 2017) is a nationwide campaign to amplify the range and impact of voluntary free legal advice that legal professionals provide ‘pro bono’ – for the public good – every year.
At a local level, Suffolk ProHelp is a countywide network of businesses which provides professional and strategic support free of charge to voluntary organisations, not just legal advice.
Suffolk ProHelp started in June 2001 and was previously run by Business in the Community (BITC). The scheme is now co-ordinated by Community Action Suffolk. Businesses commit to undertake one-off projects which may include:
- feasibility studies
- structural surveys
- marketing and business plans
- legal advice
- accountancy advice
- property valuations
The guiding principle of Suffolk ProHelp is that members approach this work in the same way as they would any other fee-paying customer. The only difference is that the voluntary organisation is not charged for the work undertaken. Clear eligibility criteria are applied to make sure that this valuable expertise is directed to voluntary organisations that are most in need and would most benefit.
Voluntary organisations requesting support from Suffolk ProHelp have to satisfy certain eligibility criteria that restricts the service to those who:
- have a track record of working within the local community
- are locally constituted
- are unable to pay for professional services
Who has Suffolk ProHelp recently supported?
Suffolk ProHelp has recently enabled support with marketing, buildings advice, restoration and design work for:
- Foxhall Lavender Trust
- Badwell Ash Village Hall
- Hartest Pre-School
- Suffolk Refugee Support
- The Erasmus Foundation
- Ringsfield Hall
Are you interested?
Suffolk ProHelp is currently looking for:
- Local businesses and professionals willing to offer pro bono services to voluntary organisations in Suffolk
- Voluntary organisations serving Suffolk, who are seeking professional guidance
For further information please contact:
Angela Lee-Foster, Suffolk ProHelp Manager
[email protected]
01473 345 338 / 07407 097750