Das Rechtszentrum in Geylang Serai bietet Rechtshilfe für Menschen mit besonderen Bedürfnissen und psychischen Erkrankungen.

A new law centre in Geylang Serai is offering legal aid specifically tailored to people with special needs and mental health conditions. The Inclusive Justice Law Centre, operated by the charity Pro Bono SG, began its first operational phase in July at the MINDS Community Hub, which caters to individuals with intellectual disabilities. This initiative marks a step forward in providing accessible legal resources to those who may struggle to navigate the justice system due to their conditions. The law centre's launch follows a broader effort by Singapore to promote inclusive justice. A task force was formed in January to assess gaps in support for people with invisible disabilities within the criminal justice system. This includes both accused individuals and victims of crime who may suffer from conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia, autism, and intellectual disabilities. The centre aims to address these challenges by offering direct legal assistance and fostering greater understanding among legal professionals. Pro Bono SG, the organization behind the law centre, is also engaging with approximately 20 organizations to identify additional locations where legal aid can be made available. These sites are chosen based on how frequently they are visited by individuals with special needs, ensuring that legal support is easily accessible. The charity’s chairman, Dinesh Dhillon, announced the initiative during the Pro Bono SG Awards 2026 held at the Fullerton Hotel on July 21. Funding for the law centre comes from the Rao Family Foundation, which contributed over $700,000 to cover two years of operations. The centre is supported by a team comprising a community lawyer and a programme coordinator, working alongside social service professionals to provide assistance. Individuals needing help can contact Pro Bono SG via phone or email, with a community lawyer available on-site every Wednesday. Since its launch in March, the centre has handled around 10 cases, primarily involving deputyship applications, though some cases relate to personal protection orders or referrals for criminal representation. Legal queries from social workers have also been addressed by the team, including whether they should report clients to authorities if they suspect a potential offense. The law centre is designed to serve as a direct point of contact for individuals with invisible disabilities and their caregivers, as some legal services may lack the necessary understanding of these conditions. Sadhana Rai, the charity’s chief representation officer, emphasized that the centre aims to build internal knowledge and sensitivity to better handle such cases. Pro Bono SG continues to expand its reach, serving over 16,000 people and organizations in the past financial year. Its Migrant Workers’ Law Centre in Little India has assisted 803 individuals in just one year, highlighting the charity’s commitment to addressing legal challenges faced by marginalized groups. Younger legal professionals are increasingly participating in the charity’s efforts, with 468 students volunteering across its programs and the number of active volunteer lawyers increasing from about 660 in 2025 to over 800 in 2026. In addition to its charitable work, Pro Bono SG received nearly $6 million in funding during the 2025/2026 financial year, with almost $3 million coming from donations. Government funding and grants accounted for the remainder. At the annual awards ceremony, Minister for Law Edwin Tong praised the charity’s role in enhancing access to justice through initiatives such as the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme. His remarks underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable populations through legal aid and public defender services.