Ros’ story

Hear from Ros, a longstanding volunteer at our service in Chelmsford.

Going to court to sort out a family problem like divorce or child arrangements can be traumatic when you are representing yourself because you can’t afford a lawyer. Where do you start? What do you do?

That’s where a volunteer, like me, can help. I am part of a team of students and longstanding volunteers led by an experienced manager. We are not lawyers and we certainly don’t give legal advice but what we do is work together, offering empathy combined with practical assistance, for those people attending court without a lawyer.

One of my daughters suggested that I volunteer. She was studying law, had volunteered at our office at The Royal Courts of Justice and had recently moved to our Chelmsford office. She really liked the team and the encouragement given by the manager. She also explained that my background, in accounting, which involved working with clients would be really useful.

I have been volunteering for nearly five years, gaining an understanding of court procedures and forms, both from day to day practice and the useful training provided. Recent courses have covered domestic abuse, mediation, and when to refer clients to Breathing Space (which can help clients manage their debts).

Clients arrive at our offices for many reasons – from domestic abuse and divorce to housing and money claims. They may have been directed by the Court to complete a form or statement but don’t have access to a computer or it’s their first time to go to a hearing. It’s an anxious and stressful time for them because they don’t know what to do.

In our office, I offer a friendly face and a calm approach to provide reassurance, then we discuss how I can help them. For example, recently a client arrived without an appointment late in the day. She had been subject to domestic violence then had been to the police and two local courts before arriving at our office. She needed an urgent non-molestation order to keep her ex-partner away from the house but did not know to achieve this. I gave her time to settle, completed the forms and went to the hearing with her. The order was granted to her great relief.

I find volunteering rewarding because, working with my colleagues, we can offer comfort combined with practical support to people affected by trauma.