This week marks the 24^th UK Pro Bono Week, running from 3 to 7 November 2025. This is a chance to acknowledge and support the voluntary work of legal professionals across the UK who offer free legal support. The theme for Pro Bono Week 2025 is “Pro Bono in Action”, and these case studies highlight the practical ways Stewarts’ Pro Bono Team contributes their time and expertise to support those in need and helps them navigate difficult legal challenges.

Tackling debt after a life-changing injury

Jeremy* had a sudden spinal stroke, resulting in paraplegia.

Before this incident, Jeremy enjoyed an active lifestyle and took part in CrossFit and scuba diving. As a result of his condition, Jeremy did not feel as though he could return to his physically demanding role in the construction industry. Furthermore, Jeremy’s contract only entitled him to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), which provided a significantly lower income than he had been receiving.

As well as advising and assisting Jeremy with legal issues relating to his employment situation, welfare benefits and housing, Stewarts helped Jeremy to deal with some of the financial problems that he now faced as a result of his injuries.

When Stewarts met Jeremy, he informed us that he owed almost £30,000 to nine creditors. Jeremy was highly stressed that his new circumstances would not allow him to repay the sums owed to his creditors and was considering bankruptcy.

Stewarts wrote to Jeremy’s creditors explaining what had happened to him, his changed circumstances and the impact this was having on his finances. We provided evidence where creditors requested it and, over a period of around six months, successfully arranged for all but one of Jeremy’s debts to be written off. The final debt is on a six-month repayment holiday, meaning Jeremy does not have to make any repayments towards any of the debts while he focuses on his rehabilitation.

Jeremy said: “That’s great, thank you for the good news and all your hard work to achieve this. I truly appreciate it.”

Fighting for fair insurance coverage

Helen* became a bilateral below-knee amputee following sepsis. Before her injury, Helen was a runner and had participated in numerous marathons and other running events.

Although prostheses initially provided to Helen by the NHS had restored basic function, she requested running blades under a private health insurance policy she holds with an American insurance company through her employer. Unfortunately, Helen’s request was rejected by the insurer as they deemed the upgrade medically unnecessary.

We reviewed the available policy documents and contacted Helen’s insurer regarding their rejection of her request.

Following our correspondence with Helen’s insurer, Helen received confirmation that her insurer will contribute over £21,000 towards her running blade prosthetics.

Helen said: “I am very excited about getting the better legs… I cannot thank you, Jodee and your team enough for everything you have done for me, and I will keep you updated!”

Challenging unfair benefit decisions

Tara* had struggled with severe pain in her arm since an accident around 40 years ago. Tara underwent treatment and surgeries, but continued to live in severe and debilitating pain, with minimal use of her right arm. She then underwent an above-the-elbow amputation.

Tara applied for a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in 2024 and was awarded the standard rate for Daily Living activities. Given Tara’s inability to use her right arm properly and perform most daily activities without significant aid or assistance, she submitted a mandatory reconsideration. However, she was still awarded the standard rate of PIP for Daily Living. Tara then approached Stewarts, who assisted her with an appeal to the First Tier Tribunal.

To assist with Tara’s appeal, we took a detailed account of Tara’s difficulties and identified real-life examples to illustrate them. We used this information to prepare a detailed letter, which properly conveyed the extent of the difficulties Tara faced in the relevant daily living activities.

Ordinarily, when it receives a PIP appeal, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) maintains its original decision, and the benefit claimant is required to attend a hearing before a three-person tribunal. In this instance, the DWP was convinced by the written submissions Stewarts made on Tara’s behalf and increased Tara’s award for Daily Living activities to the enhanced award without requiring a hearing. It also backdated her award.

Tara was delighted with the result and expressed her gratitude for the Pro bono team’s assistance. She was thrilled to have her struggles finally recognised and to receive a backdated payment.

Securing safe and dignified housing

Dave* sustained a spinal cord injury due to a spinal stroke. The Pro Bono team assisted him in completing a housing application, and he was placed in temporary accommodation.

However, over a year later, Dave and his now ex-partner remained in temporary accommodation that did not meet his needs. There was severe damp and mould, which was so awful that the only bathroom in the flat was stripped out by builders, but no one had returned to fix it. For over two months, Dave had no access to a toilet and had to rely on his neighbour’s goodwill. There was also a serious infestation of mice and rats in the flat. This caused Dave severe emotional distress and was a hygiene hazard. Dave’s mental health also suffered as he had to live with his ex-partner and felt he was a burden.

We submitted further medical evidence to expedite the permanent housing application. We explained that not only was the property unsuitable for Dave’s needs, but it was also unfit for human habitation. We also made a formal complaint as to how Dave had been treated.

Within 48 hours of receiving our letter, the council moved Dave to a suitable studio flat that met his needs and allowed him to be alone and focus on his rehabilitation.

Stewarts’ pro bono work continues to make a measurable difference. Over the past year, the firm has supported 6,766 patients through legal referrals. Our efforts have helped secure over £13.3m in insurance settlements, advised 4,141 individuals on welfare benefits and facilitated the writing off of more than £1.25m in debt.

*Names have been anonymised to protect the privacy of clients.