A Scottish charity that supports young aspiring solicitors from disadvantaged backgrounds is changing lives thanks to financial support from The Wesleyan Foundation and the Heart of England Community Foundation.
One year on from receiving a £6,000 grant from The Wesleyan Foundation, The Lawscot Foundation has been able to provide academically talented students from difficult backgrounds, the financial support they need to complete their legal education.
With the average cost of becoming a qualified solicitor in the region of £24,000*, The Lawscot Foundation offers financial aid to students to cover the cost of fees. It also provides mentoring throughout their degree.
Laura, 22, was one of the first students to receive the financial support from the charity. Laura spent part of her school life living in a homeless shelter but is now studying at Abertay University with the help of The Lawscot Foundation.
She said:
“Since turning sixteen I’ve been living independently. Estrangement comes with many challenges, but it has the power to help you grow.
“Refusing to let this have a negative impact, I worked hard at school and acquired an interest in the law. I found out about the Lawscot Foundation and knew I had to apply as soon as possible, this was an amazing opportunity for me, one that has changed my life.”
The Wesleyan Foundation was launched in June 2017 by specialist financial services mutual Wesleyan and has already provided more than £1 million in funding to over 200 charities, community groups and social enterprises – such as The Lawscot Foundation – from around the country. The Wesleyan Foundation is managed by the Heart of England Community Foundation.
TIna Costello, CEO of the Foundation, said:
“Providing this opportunity to those who have great aspirations and abilities but find themselves disadvantaged is an exceptional initiative. Students, like Laura, have a great appetite to succeed and anything we can do to support that is brilliant.”
For more information about the Wesleyan Foundation and to apply for funding click here.