Intervene is a registered legal charity, established by Kesar and Co Solicitors in 2013. We are staffed by a full-time Manager and twenty passionate volunteer caseworkers. We currently support over 200 prisoners who have suffered mistreatment during their sentence. Following LASPO 2012, the demand for our service is greater than ever. Prisoners have been amongst the hardest hit by the relentless wave of legal aid cuts, and we are striving to plug the gap.
We provide free legal advice, often supporting prisoners who wish to bring civil claims or seek remedies after their human rights have been breached. Our mission is to ensure that no one who faces abuse whilst detained is left unrepresented. On behalf of our clients we may pursue formal apologies; investigations of allegedly abusive prison staff; improved prison conditions, healthcare, mental healthcare, nutrition, education and employment opportunities; compensation and damages.
We also support and initiate research into topics close to our work. In collaboration with The University of Law, we began our novel research project in late 2021, exploring how the legal aid budget can be more effectively spent. We have worked with independent researchers, fellow charities and film directors who share our values, and welcome further collaboration.
We have been shortlisted for the LexisNexis Pro Bono Legal Award 2022
Full Shortlist - https://www.lexisnexislegalawards.co.uk/ehome/legal/Shortlist/
Since our establishment, we have helped hundreds of prisoners who have faced injustice. We have provided free representation in a broad range of cases that are often no longer covered by legal aid. These have included:
Discrimination;
Human Rights Breaches;
Lost and Damaged Property;
Personal Injuries;
Poor Healthcare, Dental Care, Nutrition and Mental Healthcare;
Ignored Complaints;
Verbal and Physical Abuse from Prison Staff;
Adjudications;
Lack of Access to Rehabilitative Courses, Education Services and Employment Opportunities;
Obstructions to Communication with Relatives and Legal Representatives;
Re-Categorisation Appeals;
Delayed Parole;
Poor Disability and Care Management;
Poor Living Conditions;
Prison Transfer Requests.
Follow the below links for an insight into the work we are doing for a couple of our current clients.
Isaac was being kept in a “constant watch” cell — he was at risk of suicide or serious self-harm. A prison officer poured boiling water down a laminate tube into his cell, badly burning him. When asked later, the officer said the hot water was “provided in the only way possible”.
In the dead of winter, Ahmed was left without any heating in his cell. He was provided only with thin and unclean extra blankets. They did not help; Ahmed was left shivering overnight, seriously affecting his health.
Passionate about our cause? You can help us by:
1) Donating;
2) Volunteering as a caseworker or researcher;
3) Following our social media and upcoming blog;
4) Becoming a trustee;
5) Contributing to our blog.
