Self-help site opens

The umbrella advice group, the Advice Services Alliance, will this week launch a Web site aimed at people who try to resolve their legal problems themselves.

Advicenow provides help on a broad range of topics, including social welfare law, crime, consumer affairs, media and communications, and money and tax.

The site, produced in partnership with the Community Legal Service's Just Ask! site, provides access to the service's directory of lawyers and advisers.

Advicenow is funded by the National Lottery's new opportunities fund and the Legal Services Commission.

The content was provided by the Advice Services Alliance members, including Advice UK, Citizens Advice, DIAL UK, law centres, Shelter and Youth Access.

Project director Martin Jones said the aim was to help people manage their problems themselves and to pre-empt and avoid difficulties, rather than solely providing help after the event.

It should also aid people such as social workers and teachers who are asked about rights and legal issues in the course of their work, he added.

LINKS: www.advicenow.org.uk