Written by: Anne Lenton, Progammes Officer
Last month, on 3 June 2026, the London Legal Support Trust hosted our in-person London Specialist Advice Forum (LSAF) session. The Forum brought together advice organisations to explore the growing impact of far-right activity on advice services, staff, and service users.
Ellie Cartwright, Community Outreach Officer from HOPE Not Hate, delivered a presentation on the rise of far-right activity and its implications. She described how we are witnessing an increased mainstreaming of far-right narratives across politics and public discourse, and a significant growth in anti-migrant protests (251 recorded in 2025), as well as the emergence of vigilante-style groups.
Bruna Boscaini (IRMO), Enny Choudry (JCWI), and Charlotte Buckley (BID UK) participated in a panel discussion on frontline experiences. There was a message that fear and distrust are increasing, with some service users reluctant to approach statutory services for support. The panel spoke about how far-right activity and government hostility towards migrants is affecting staff safety and wellbeing in some organisations, especially with some facing targeted media and online attacks.
The Forum made it clear that the rise of the far right is changing the operating environment for advice services, and the group demonstrated strong examples of resilience, solidarity, and adaptive practice across the sector. The discussions emphasised the importance of risk management and safety measures, staff support, building solidarity, and strategic sector-wide action.
Moving forward, a coordinated response of combining organisational preparedness, sector collaboration, and supportive funding, will be essential to ensure advice services can continue to operate effectively and uphold their mission.
Read the full LSAF meeting notes from 3 June here.
Join us online on the 16 September for the next London Specialist Advice Forum.
The Forum is a sector-led network of frontline specialist free legal advice agencies across the capital. The Forum provides a space for agencies to share best practice, resources, and opportunities; discuss sector developments and challenges; and identify emerging needs and solutions.