FRU support at ESA appeal

Has anyone had a FRU rep with them for an appeal hearing?

If so, was this helpful?

I've just had a phone call from the FRU person who will be helping me. I have 3 weeks to my hearing but there is still much to do.

To be honest, I've come off the phone feeling more rather than less anxious about the hearing. She told me to expect a bit of a grilling and that it can last 30mins to an hour. I don't think she meant to deter me.

Thanks.

Hi there, I hadn't heard of this before so just did a quick Google search and came up with the following:

The Free Representation Unit (FRU) was founded in 1972 and is a registered charity. We provide legal advice, case preparation and advocacy in tribunal cases for those who could not otherwise obtain legal support, for want of personal means or public funding. To provide this service we train volunteer law students and legal professionals in the early stages of their career in the skills required to give confident and competent support for the rights of others. All FRU's representatives are volunteers who are trained by FRU and work under the supervision of our case workers.
***
We can assist you only if:

* You have already commenced your case or appeal;
* Unless you are appealing from another tribunal decision, you have been given a hearing date; and
* Your case is referred to us by one of our referral agencies. We cannot take referrals directly from a member of the public.

We can be contacted at:

London Office Nottingham Office
Free Representation Unit
6th Floor
289-293 High Holborn
London WC1V 7HZ Nottingham Law School Legal Advice Clinic
Belgrave Centre
Chaucer Street
Nottingham NG1 5LP
Tel: 020 7611 9555 Tel: 01158 484 262
Email: Please use the webform below Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.thefru.net/

Looks like you must have been referred to them for help. I suggest you give them a ring if it has made you more anxious.
Whatever else, keep breathing and don't panic