HCLC News

Hackney Community Law Centre would like to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Ian Lewis (pictured above) who was the Assistant Chief Executive of the London Borough of Hackney until last summer when he retired on health grounds.

Earlier this month, Ian sadly passed away after suffering with cancer. As the Assistant Chief Executive with responsibility for the Hackney advice sector, Ian was extremely supportive of HCLC's work.

We were delighted that Ian attended the launch of the HCLC-led Sustainable Advice in Hackney project last January as a key note speaker, alongside Lord Low of Dalston and the Big Lottery Fund.

Ian's speech at the project launch again demonstrated how completely and utterly dedicated he was to ensuring that vulnerable Hackney residents receive the highest quality advice possible.

It is because of Ian's leadership that the Hackney advice sector continues to receive strong support from the London Borough of Hackney. We know how very lucky we are in comparison to advice agencies in other London boroughs. Commenting on Ian Lewis' passing, HCLC Chair Ian Rathbone said: "We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Ian Lewis. He was a good friend of the law centre and of Hackney and helped to keep and build our valuable community sector over some difficult years. He has already been sadly missed following his early retirement last year".

*Rest in peace, Ian*.

*We will never forget you and our clients and community will always be grateful to you*.

*Thank you for all you did for vulnerable Hackney residents*.