Carson McDowell help out in their local community

The Glenavy Youth Project was set up in early 2005 after the local community identified a lack of facilities for the young people in the village.  They aim to advance education and promote the benefit of young people by associating statutory authorities, community and voluntary organisations and the inhabitants in a common effort to provide recreational facilities for young people.

The youth project identified a need for professional legal support.  This was provided by Carson McDowell in the form of a review and negotiation of a lease for Glenavy Youth Project and RCB for a premises belonging to the latter in Glenavy.  They also agreed to arrange a debenture between the GYP and DARD who have partly grant funded the restoration of the aforementioned property.

The voluntary organisation felt that the Carson McDowell had an understanding of their organisation’s aims and believed the objectives of the project were fully met. 

The project was conducted over a period of eight months, with Carson McDowell providing 6 hours of their business time in total.

Emma Cooper, a solicitor from Carson McDowell, stated: “Carson McDowell is delighted to have been able to use our legal expertise and skills to benefit the young people of the Glenavy area.  We appreciate the need for creating safe, fun places where young people can meet and develop their social and interpersonal skills.  The firm is committed to assisting Business in the Community with further projects of this nature, as we find the benefit to employees and the local communities extensive.”

The aim of BCRC is to provide a voice for the community and voluntary sector and increase the capacity of local groups to become more sustainable.  They also work to deliver community programmes, disability programmes, ethnic minority projects, youth projects etc.

BCRC became faced with an issue of liability about which they were concerned.  Carson McDowell was identified as a potential source of help and consequently BCRC received three hours of strategic support in the form of legal advice regarding a dispute with a funding provider over a period of three months. 

David Jamison, a partner in Carson McDowell stated:

 “From my perspective it was not a time consuming matter (requiring no more than a number of calls, a perusal of correspondence and a meeting of about an hour and a half). I was able to put the group's collective mind at rest as regards its legal position and I understand that the matter has since been resolved in terms which the Group are happy with. I would encourage other organisations to get involved.”

The estimated billable value of the time spent on this assignment was £675.