Taking an intersectional approach to solving legal problems

Our latest Enhancing Engagement webinar dived into the process and success of the Fix It Friday program. Mary-Lynn Griffith, Manager of Whittlesea Community House and the brains behind the program, shared her experience and insights into bringing diverse support services together to address the needs of her community.

Fix It Fridays is a monthly event run by the House where community members can meet face-to-face with local legal and community support services. Together, they tease out the interconnected legal problems people face and make a real difference in their lives by offering support and advice.

“This model is going against the zeitgeist of using apps and AI. It allows the re-humanising of service delivery where [people] actually are.” Mary-Lynne said of the program’s strengths. “It breaks down the barriers of participation and social isolation. Fix It Fridays is also a single point at which different service agencies can come together and then [service providers] feel less isolated also.”

This webinar shared insights on how service providers can deliver programs and support people with their complex legal problems. In one example, Mary-Lynn described how someone managing driving offences worked with the Legal team, had a no interest loan organised for future needs, was connected with financial counselling to put together a payment plan for fines and referred to community supports for alcohol and drug counselling service. All in an hour. Along with a cup of coffee from the free espresso legal van.

The Whittlesea Community House program Fix It Fridays was initially funded by a Victoria Law Foundation grant. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed of future conversations and other VLF activity.

Watch the webinar