The multi-funded community approach adopted by the newly launched Harrow Law Centre is the ‘model to follow’ for the voluntary sector, according to the centre’s chair Pamela Fitzpatrick.

Lord Justice Mummery opened the centre, which provides advice on social welfare law, public law, community care, housing, immigration, education and welfare benefits, and representation, last week.

Fitzpatrick said the centre originated from individuals within the community setting up a charity to assist disadvantaged groups with legal problems within the borough.

It receives grant and other funding from nine sources, and has an active local fundraising programme.

Fitzpatrick said: ‘We are the model to follow for the voluntary sector.

'From the start we did not want to be reliant for funding on one body such as the local authority or the Legal Services Commission.

'We decided to take a multi-funded approach.’

As well as an LSC contract and local council grant, the centre is funded by the North West London Community Foundation, Sports Relief, London Legal Support Trust, Nationwide Foundation and the Co-op.

Children in Need has provided three years of funding for a dedicated child lawyer, and City firm Berwin Leighton Paisner has donated funds.

Fitzpatrick said: ‘We also do traditional fund-raising such as quiz nights, lunches and coffee mornings.

'While these do not necessarily raise lots of money, they are an important way of getting people to know the law centre and the value of what we do.’

Director of the Law Centres Federation Julie Bishop said: ‘The Harrow Law Centre opening is a sign that the demand for law centre services is as great as it ever was.

'It is a truly community-based organisation and shows how law centres continue to be players in the big society.’