Advice, Safety & Community Support

The Nello James Legal and Welfare Advice Centre was launched immediately and focused on three key concerns: matrimonial matters, criminal issues and housing. Weekly legal advice clinics were offered free of charge under the auspices of Niel Pearson, Honorary Solicitor and Benefactor.

Young qualified solicitors from his practice supported the clinics, including the Rt Hon Sir Andrew Gilbart and Joan Ferguson, Solicitor. This practical support made legal guidance accessible to local people who may otherwise have struggled to obtain it.

In 1983, a room at the Centre was offered to Tony Lloyd, Labour MP, for use as an advice surgery for his constituents. Although the Nello James Centre was not affiliated to any particular electoral party, it clearly drew lines around the values it upheld. The National Front and its members were banned.

The Centre also provided a place of safety and helpful advice to members of the LGBTQ+ community, many of whom lived in the area and were often victims of harassment and oppression. This was arguably the first provision of its kind in Manchester.