Our 2025 Reflections

From Martin Jungnitz, our Independent Chair:

2025 has seen the beginning of the next chapter for our network and our community of practice in our mission to protect and improve access to advice in Liverpool.

We have been able to refresh and reinvigorate our communications. Our website has new feel, is easier to use and now includes a wider range of content and resources for members, and we have launched a series of podcasts on the site.

Our network meetings recommenced and have included a range of topics enabling members to gain and share knowledge. Topics have included housing and homelessness, digital inclusion, proposed changes to PIP and UC, the Government's Access to Justice Inquiry,  Family Law and the Family Courts, information from Liverpool City Council on its Neighbourhood Model, the Household Support Fund and other topics.

The huge range of expertise, experience and insight in the network was evident in our meetings on the Government 'Pathways to Work Green Paper, helping us to form a powerful collective response to the Government's consultation. Our response on the Access to Justice consultation was further evidence of the strength of working and campaigning together, creating a wide-ranging and in-depth response. As we now commence working together to examine and respond to the Government's proposals on Leave to Remain, we are already seeing the immense passion, understanding and knowledge of our members at work.

2025 has been a breakthrough year for us as we look to forge a future for our network and its activities. We are now in the midst of the process of becoming a registered charity, helping us to secure our independent voice for free advice. At the same time as taking these critical steps we have also been looking forward to 2026.  We will soon publish our bi-annual advice and capacity survey, sharing the network's experience of supporting residents in these exceptionally difficult times and helping to inform and educate stakeholders on the critical value of advice to our communities.

And we also have recently confirmed a major conference. A Future Joined Up: The Next Chapter for Community Advice on Thursday 26th February at the University of Liverpool’s School of Law and Social Justice Building.  Free independent quality advice is an essential force against injustice and inequality, supporting people in diverse and often disenfranchised communities to secure their rights and entitlements. In the UK today it is widely felt that some forces are seeking to stoke and exploit social division. At the same time some organisations are calling for the removal of long-standing rights and entitlements.  Growing income inequality and people's struggles in the face of both the housing and cost-of-living crisis can provide fertile ground for those seeking to divide our communities. It is in this context that community organisations and advice providers need more than ever to work together, both to help protect people's rights but also to demonstrate a powerful, positive narrative of hope, inclusion, justice and common values. The conference will offer an important opportunity for learning and networking  as well as celebrating the work of the network and its members.

From Edward Hodgson, our Coordinator:

These past few weeks have marked my one year anniversary here at Liverpool Access to Advice Network. It's been a brilliant year, and I'm deeply grateful for all the support I have received. The thing about networks is that their success depends upon the commitment of their members. I have been overwhelmed this year by the generosity and good-will of our members and the people we work with. As members, you have been so willing to offer your time and expertise for the benefit of our network. We have achieved a lot this year, and we are in an incredibly strong position going into 2026. This is only because we have managed to come together and work as one.

We have spent the last few weeks planning for the coming year. Martin has highlighted some of the things we are looking forward to next year, and I am particularly excited to welcome you to our 2026 conference. The theme is timely, and it was chosen by you our members. At the start of this year we embarked on a listening programme, and I hope you can see how we have implemented the feedback you gave us. You told us you wanted us to be bolder and more directive with our campaigning, and so we have delivered several nationally-recognised campaigns this year. We've stood up for the things that matter, and we've used our collective voice to bring about a better future for everyone. You also told us about how you wanted our network activities to develop, and we hope you have benefitted from our outcome-focussed network meetings, podcast, communications, and resources.

Thank you for your commitment and your contributions. We wouldn't be able to do what we do without your support. I'd also like to add a special thank you to our elected committee, our trustees, our parent company Citizens Advice Liverpool, and all our strategic partners. 

2026 is looking bright for Liverpool Access to Advice Network. I'm eager to get back into continuing to grow and develop our network. Remember to stay in touch with us; share your good news stories with us and let us know how we can help you. I hope this time of year is one of restfulness and peace for you. From all of us here at Liverpool Access to Advice Network, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and the very best of wishes for 2026.