Intervene Project

Intervene is a registered legal charity, established by Kesar and Co Solicitors in 2013. We are staffed by a full-time Manager and numerous passionate volunteers. We currently support over 300 prisoners who have suffered mistreatment and abuse during their sentence. Following LASPO 2012, the demand for our service is greater than ever. Prisoners have been amongst the hardest hit by the relentless wave of legal aid cuts, and we are striving to plug the gap. We provide free legal advice, often supporting prisoners who wish to bring civil claims or seek remedies after their human rights have been breached. Our mission is to ensure that no one who faces abuse whilst detained is left unrepresented. On behalf of our clients we may pursue formal apologies and investigations of allegedly abusive prison staff; demand improved prison conditions, healthcare, mental healthcare, nutrition, education and employment opportunities; secure compensation and damages; submit Letters Before Claim; and file civil claims in the county court. We also support and initiate research into topics close to our work. In collaboration with The University of Law, we began our novel research project in late 2021, exploring how the legal aid budget can be more effectively spent. We have worked with independent researchers, fellow charities and film directors who share our values, and welcome further collaboration.