Story: Saleema Imam
Messenger volunteer and local resident, Douglas Johnson, recently won an award for his work with Sheffield Law Centre in Social Welfare law, one of 11 categories in the annual awards.
Previously working as a neighbourhood advice volunteer, Douglas joined Sheffield Law Centre in 2007 and eventually became Equality Rights Supervisor.
Short-listed from nominations around the country, Douglas’s recent legal aid work such as enabling concessionary bus and rail travel to South Yorkshire's disabled people to be re-instated, helped to earn the award.
Though delighted to have won, he said
“It reflects a lot of the invaluable work that Law Centres do which makes a difference to peoples lives, but any one of the people nominated deserved an award.”
Sky News’ Anna Jones, compère of the award ceremony, said
“Douglas is described as the epitome of what a legal aid lawyer should be: knowledgeable, tenacious, strategic and committed to obtaining justice for vulnerable people.”
Sheffield Law Centre has now merged with other advice services in Sheffield. For advice, ring 205 5055 or visit