Islington Law Centre - London

Jes L.

I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration regarding the lack of support I have experienced from a member of your staff or team—possibly an employee or volunteer—over the past several months.

After initially being contacted and led to believe that I would receive assistance, I was left in complete uncertainty. Despite sending follow-up emails and attempting to reach out by phone, I received no response—no confirmation, no updates, and no indication of whether my case was being handled or had been abandoned. I have been left in limbo, which is unacceptable.

This prolonged silence has not only caused immense emotional distress, but it has also negatively impacted my health, well-being, and home situation. The support I sought from your centre was not a luxury—it was a necessity. To be left without help, after being told support was coming, is both disheartening and deeply damaging.

I find it astonishing that a service meant to support vulnerable individuals would allow such neglect to occur. If my case was not within your capacity, I should have been informed, rather than left to wait and wonder for months.

I respectfully request a formal response explaining what happened in my case and why there was such a breakdown in communication. I would also like to know whether your centre still intends to offer any assistance or whether I should seek help elsewhere.

This has been a distressing experience, and I hope you will treat this complaint with the seriousness

ismail

I have been using ILC since the late 1980’s. I remember the days when they offered an A to Z of support services and opened a second office directly opposite their Hornsey Rd office both buzzing with employees/volunteers and clients. It is very difficult for someone like me to see what they have become – a tiny fraction of what they were. Unfortunately and sadly, people who have attempted to use them most likely for the first or second time judge them very harshly which they may feel entitled to do, but they do not, it would seem, question why if such an infrastructure exists. If the ILC employees/volunteers cannot help you or refer you to another agency or service, as was the case recently with myself, then I can tell you they are not happy in doing so (especially when they are of a vulnerable background), they were not created to refuse you which is why they opened a second office when finance was available once upon a time. I find some of the comments directed at Sheeba an instinctive reaction or frustration of the situation. I have know this ILC employee for a very long time, she is not a social friend. I have watched her run the front and back office by herself. I have watched her talking and dealing with people of mental disabilities and metal problems, such people you and I would find very intimidating and non-approachable. Not Sheeba. Her approach and handling is sublime. When I could not talk sense with a certain agency, she would talk to them from reception, write a small note – job done. If Sheeba can help, she will. She once asked me, Why do you always look angry? I am in constant pain 24/7, I said. My gratitude and deepest thanks to the ILC for over the years.

Scarlet A.

how the hell is anybody going to be able to get through to you, when you cut off calls on hold after 120 seconds 'to save money on our behalf'. Disgraceful and infuriating. Utter skeeze. I dread to think how many incandescent, desperate people you are creating with this utter bullxxit! Shame on you.

asima K.

I had the pleasure of working with Amber Van Boost from Islington Law Centre for my benefits appeal, and I can’t recommend her enough. Amber’s genuine care and dedication made all the difference. She took the time to fully understand my case, paying close attention to every detail. Her thoroughness in gathering evidence and presenting my case led to a positive outcome. Amber’s professionalism and compassion were evident throughout, and I felt supported every step of the way. Thanks to her, my appeal was a success, and I’m incredibly grateful for her hard work.

Thanks once again!

Lana L.

After fighting for support and had no luck, this centre and specifically Suzanne was attentive and so supportive with all my troubles. What an amazing representative to have as part of the team, she assisted me with many months of troubles on a depressing journey and the outcome for this was beyond successful. Thank you for all the support and advice!

Mari S.

Time wasters, really disappointing service. Firstly I was told by Sheeba earlier this year, they would get back to me in a few months(I know, fell for that old line) but I was given a few other services to contact in the meantime to see whether they had any availability sooner. One of the services hadn't existed since 2019 so not an up-to-date list.
When I hadn't heard from them, I got back to them and dealt with Karlis and was taken through an intrusive questionnaire, then vaguely told, via email, a week later they didn't have capacity. Wasn't this apparent before wasting my time with an intrusive questionnaire? I asked for a clear explanation via email but was told I would need to call and they could offer advice. I had asked for an explanation for their decision not advice! Clearly, they don't want to put a simple, honest explanation in writing.
Very disappointed and ridiculous that this is a council funded service that uses selection criteria for who is deemed worthy of support which is not openly disclosed.

Idiris C.

I have been receiving help from this for few year. I have had a problem with my flat because of rent areas they help a lot and really appreciate what they have done.
From the receptionist to the my case all i have to say is you will all have a special place in my heart.
Thanks once again.
Mr Colaad.

Adam C.

Rude individual who answered the phone they should look into getting someone new. Learn to speak to people with some manners rather than being abrupt.