A community interest company which began life shortly before the first lockdown has celebrated its first anniversary.

BH Support was founded to support people and businesses in Southbourne and the surrounding areas of Bournemouth.

It offers a variety of services for family, work and home.

They range from help with divorce and separation and benefits to employment law, housing support and dispute resolution.

A total of 138 cases were supported in its first 12 months.

Peter Guest, Executive Director, said: “2020 was a year of great change for our community interest company.

“The year ahead is likely to be full of challenges as the disruption and uncertainty from Covid-19 impacts us all.

“As lockdown continues, disputes within the home, family and work continue to rise exponentially.

“The expected pressure upon the local advice centres and court system continues to increase.

“Families and individuals are desperately in need of social prescribing, administrative and legal support as the country emerges from this unprecedented crisis.

“At BH Support, we continue to pledge our efforts to support people seeking positive resolutions, reducing impact on civil society with resilience, flexibility and with the assistance of our funders and supporters who give vital help within our community to those that are most affected in times of crisis.”

BH Support has four full-time employees and five intern law students from Bournemouth University.

It also has three volunteers assisting with cases but is constantly looking for more volunteers.

Peter, pictured left, said: “Over the year, BH Support has assisted over 130 people and families to receive legal advice and support where potentially they would have had no choice but to represent themselves in any litigant proceedings.

“As a not for profit company, we are able to offer attainable prices on a sliding scale of affordability.

“For example, Mrs N came to BH Support looking for assistance after her marriage irretrievably broke down.

“With our support, she was able to complete all court applications whilst being guided through the extensive document trail and supporting her within the court system.

“Then by negotiating an affordable settlement with her former partner’s representative and finally a consent order finalising matters.

“For everyone, we offer an initial, free 30 minutes to talk and tell their story, which often helps to make sense of their current situation.

“Then we provide them with a detailed plan of their options to move their situation forward along with referrals to other local charities, community groups or experts to help with all areas of their life that need supporting.

“BH Support believes that being part of the community, we can provide help and care for those navigating through difficult life events and come to a positive resolution.”

• www.bhsupport.co.uk