Free Legal Advice for Young People
If you are facing problems with housing, social services, immigration or benefits and debt and money problems, we may be able to help.
Youth Legal provides free, confidential specialist legal advice to young people aged 16-25 and families with children across London and further afield. We understand that legal problems can impact every aspect of your life and bring stress, crisis or uncertainty. Our role is to explain your rights clearly and help you take the next step.
Call 020 3195 1906
Or send us a message.
You do not need to know the law before contacting us.
Community Care
Community care law is about the support local authorities must provide to children, care leavers, disabled young people and families under legislation such as the Children Act 1989 and the Care Act 2014.
If social services are not providing the support you need, we can help you understand your rights and challenge decisions where necessary.
We support young people who:
- Are care experienced but not receiving proper leaving care support
- Should be accommodated but are being refused
- Need disability assessments or services
- Are facing age assessment disputes
- Require lawful assessments under children’s or adult social care legislation
We regularly challenge local authorities when duties are not being met.
“I didn’t know I had rights. Youth Legal explained everything and helped me get the support I should have had all along.”
— Mo
Housing
Housing law protects you if you are homeless, at risk of eviction or living in unsafe or unsuitable accommodation.
We help young people understand their rights when:
- They are asked to leave home
- They receive an eviction notice
- A homelessness application is refused
- They are living in temporary or unsuitable housing
- There are serious disrepair issues such as damp or mould
We assist with homelessness applications, challenges to local authority decisions and possession proceedings.
Stable housing is often the foundation for education, employment and mental wellbeing. Securing safe accommodation can remove one of the biggest sources of stress in a young person’s life or provide a family with vital stability.
“When I thought I was going to be homeless, they helped me stay in college and keep my place to live.”
— Client testimonial
Immigration
Immigration law can be complex and confusing to navigate alone.
We advise young people and families with children who:
- Do not have leave to remain
- Need to apply for settled status
- Are making human rights applications
- Want to apply for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship
We explain your options clearly and support you through applications or challenges where appropriate.
For some clients, resolving immigration status is essential to accessing housing, education and stability.
What to Expect When You Contact Us
When you get in touch:
- We listen carefully to what is happening.
- We explain your rights in plain language.
- If we can take your case, we will tell you what happens next.
- If we cannot, we will signpost you to another trusted organisation.
There is no charge for contacting us or for any of the services you receive.
Our Impact
In 2025:
- 59 young people and families secured positive legal outcomes
- 108 individuals reported improved wellbeing or increased confidence
- 98% of clients completing surveys said their mental health improved following our support
We help young people facing homelessness, care breakdown, disability discrimination and immigration insecurity. Our work is specialist, legally robust and focused on long-term stability.
“They treated me like a person, not a problem.”
Not Sure If We Can Help?
If you are unsure whether your issue falls within our service, contact us anyway.
Call 020 3195 1906
Email info@youthlegal.org.uk
Or use our contact form.