Charities
We are proud to share that the University of Leicester Pro Bono Society 2025/2026 has raised £1,087 in support of a range of incredible charities and community organisations this year.
Freeva (Free from Violence and Abuse) is a specialist charity working across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to support people affected by domestic abuse, rape and sexual violence. Its vision is to help create a society where everyone is free from violence and abuse, providing high-quality, confidential and effective support to people regardless of their background.
Freeva provides a wide range of specialist services for those who are currently experiencing, or have previously experienced, domestic or sexual abuse. This includes support for adults, children and young people, parents and carers, as well as specialist services for different communities and therapeutic support. Freeva also works with individuals who recognise that their behaviour is causing harm, helping them develop safer, healthier and more respectful relationships.
Alongside direct support, Freeva works to promote education, healthy relationships and safer communities. The charity places strong emphasis on respect, equality, integrity and sustainable change, while ensuring that the people it supports are treated with understanding, compassion and confidentiality.
Shama Women’s Centre is a Leicester-based charity dedicated to empowering women from diverse backgrounds to become more socially, economically and educationally active. Established more than 35 years ago by a group of local women, the Centre was created to provide culturally inclusive support, activities and opportunities for women in the local community. It became a registered charity in 2000 and has continued to develop its services to meet the changing needs of Leicester’s diverse communities.
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The Centre provides a wide range of services designed to promote women’s independence, confidence, health and wellbeing. These include welfare and employment advice, education and training, mental health and counselling support, domestic abuse services, childcare, befriending and peer support. Shama also provides multilingual support and training in areas such as IT, ESOL, mental health awareness and textiles, helping women develop new skills, gain employment or establish their own businesses.
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A key part of Shama’s work is breaking down cultural and social barriers that can contribute to isolation and prevent women from accessing opportunities and support. Through its culturally inclusive environment, the Centre has helped thousands of women gain confidence, qualifications, employment and greater independence, while encouraging those it supports to become active and valued members of their communities.
Action Homeless is a Leicester-based charity and social enterprise dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness across Leicester and Leicestershire. Founded in 1973, the organisation has more than 50 years of experience supporting individuals and families affected by homelessness, providing emergency accommodation, specialist support and pathways towards more secure and independent living.
Action Homeless takes a personalised approach to tackling homelessness, recognising that people can face a range of circumstances and challenges alongside housing difficulties. Its services include supported accommodation, housing advice, resettlement support and specialist projects for people with complex needs. The charity also operates Bridge House, a women’s refuge providing accommodation and support for women and children experiencing domestic abuse.The charity’s work goes beyond providing a roof over someone’s head.
Action Homeless aims to help people address the underlying causes and consequences of homelessness, develop the skills and confidence needed to live independently, and ultimately find a safe and secure place to call home. It works closely with local organisations and partners and places particular importance on listening to and incorporating the experiences of people who have experienced homelessness.
IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a leading charity specialising in the law relating to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England. The organisation works to ensure that children and young people with SEND receive the education and support they are legally entitled to, while empowering their families to understand and enforce their rights.
IPSEA provides free and independent legal advice and support to parents and carers, covering issues including SEN Support, Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, exclusions and appeals. Its services include telephone helplines, an email information service, online legal guides and resources, as well as individual casework and advocacy through its Tribunal Support Service.
Alongside its direct support for families, IPSEA delivers training on the SEND legal framework to parents, carers, schools, local authorities and other organisations. The charity also uses evidence gathered through its advice services to influence policy at both local and national level, helping to improve the understanding, protection and enforcement of the legal rights of children and young people with SEND.
Amicus ALJ is a UK-based charity dedicated to fighting for justice for people facing the death penalty in the United States. Founded in 1992 in memory of Andrew Lee Jones, the organisation was established following his execution in Louisiana in 1991. Andrew had been convicted of murder despite a lack of scientific evidence linking him to the crime, with important information about his mental illness withheld by the prosecution and vital mitigation not presented at trial. His case highlighted the potentially devastating consequences of inadequate legal representation.
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Amicus works to promote due process, fair trials and access to justice for people facing capital punishment. Through its casework programme, the charity supports active death penalty cases in the US, working alongside pro bono volunteers from international law firms and legal clinics to assist with detailed case investigation and legal research.
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The organisation also provides opportunities for lawyers and postgraduate students to gain practical experience in capital defence, including through volunteer placements in the UK and US and specialist training programmes. In addition, Amicus publishes its Capital Punishment Journal and runs awareness-raising initiatives to highlight issues surrounding the death penalty and defendants' rights.