The Speakeasy is a registered charity supporting the poor and disadvantaged in deprived areas of South East Wales. The Centre provides free legal advice and representation for people struggling with debt and welfare benefits. We aim to release people from financial hardship, improve the quality of their lives, bring benefits to their communities and make a lasting difference.

Clients - The Speakeasy will work with anybody, whether they are eligible for Legal Help or not. This makes us different to many other similar organizations. The majority of the Speakeasy’s clients live within the top 10% disadvantaged communities of Wales (WIMD 2005). Many of them also suffer from problems associated with poverty, including poor housing, poor health, little social engagement, high incidences of family breakdown, stress, anxiety and depression.
2007 Results - In 2007, the Centre helped around 1,600 of the poorest individuals and families in Cardiff and South East Wales. Over £5,000,000 of clients’ debts were written off or renegotiated and clients were awarded additional welfare benefits payments of over £1.5 million.
Staff – Warren Palmer - Centre Director, Senior Benefits Solicitor 
Lynda Reid Senior - Debt Solicitor
Mandy Collins - Caseworker
Leane Spencer - Solicitor
Niala Tabbasm - Solicitor 
Christine Tse - Trainee Solicitor
Carmel Boston - Receptionist
Nicola Bywater - Secretary
Cathy Buchanan-Smith - Bookkeeper
Ben Saltmarsh - Trainee Caseworker
Becky Martin - Fundraiser
Case Story
Claire is in her early twenties. She has had to have two kidney transplants, and has been told that she may need to have her leg amputated. Claire was in debt, and came to the Speakeasy for help. With our help not only were her debts written off, but she became a claimant of income support and Disability Living Allowance.

Quotes
Typical quotes from clients who have received help include:
“Service & staff were brilliant…You listened and gave advice without being superficial.”
“Thank you for helping me get back on my feet after divorce…the death of my mother and debt.”
“The best thing I ever did was come to see you.”
Contact Details
The office is based just off Albany Road in Roath. We also hold outreach surgeries in St Mellons and in market towns in Blaenau Gwent and Rhondda Cynon Taff. For an appointment or for further information about the Centre and what we do, please see our website (www.speakeasyadvice.co.uk) or call 029 2045 3111.