The Children’s Society has launched an innovative pilot internet and telephone service offering legal advice to young people in Lambeth and Camden in London, and in Colchester, Essex.

While available to all, Lawyers for Young People is principally aimed at ensuring the most vulnerable get access to appropriate legal advice, such as children in care, the homeless, unaccompanied asylum seekers, and children with communication problems and disabilities.

The service builds on a project set up by Essex firm Fisher Jones Greenwood, which was taken over by the Children’s Society in April this year. A nationwide scheme will be rolled out from next April.

The project is supported by Fisher Meredith, Bindmans, Scott-Moncrieff Harbour & Sinclair, Fisher Jones Greenwood, the Howard League for Penal Reform and Refugee and Migrant Justice.

The service will work with young people to identify whether they have a legal problem that requires representation. It will provide initial advice and, where necessary, refer the young person to a lawyer from an established network of specialist law firms.

The service will also work to help gather evidence from groups facing specific issues to assist with policy development, judicial review and test case representation.

Young people can call the service on 0800 092 0953 or email info@lfyp.org.uk. During the pilot phase the phone will be manned on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 12.30pm, and on Wednesday from 3pm to 5pm.

Liz Fisher-Frank, principal solicitor with Lawyers for Young People, said: ‘I believe that many young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are unable to access the legal representation that they desperately need.

‘The pilot phase will give a unique opportunity to young people in these three areas to access high-quality legal advice, while also helping us to establish the long-term viability of the project.’

Stephen Grosz, head of public law and human rights at Bindmans, said: ‘We are very pleased to be working with the Children’s Society at the inception of Lawyers for Young People. It is a great opportunity to improve access to lawyers for young people who often find it difficult to obtain appropriate legal advice.’

A reception hosted by the Children’s Society will be held at the Law Society on Wednesday 4 November.