Helen was looking for an opportunity to give back in retirement and came across volunteering at Support Through Court. She shares her story including occasions of support that have stood out, reflecting on the varied cases and clients that come through our services. Above all, Helen shares her perspective on the impact of providing emotional support and a listening ear.
I was a solicitor and ombudsman banking adjudicator. On retirement, I wanted to try and give something back, keep engaged in the legal sector, and mix with people of different backgrounds and ages.
Support Through Court, then the Personal Support Unit, was advertising on the Mayor of London volunteering website. The work immediately stood out to me as important and interesting, and so I started volunteering at the civil courts in the Royal Courts of Justice. We then covered all courts in the Royal Courts of Justice; county courts on the ‘London List’, social security, employment and other tribunals. We were mainly core volunteers, from all walks of life. I enjoyed meeting new people and working with them.
Our scope of support has changed over the years, but what I love, that hasn’t changed since I started, is that every case and client is different. It’s a challenge and you never quite know what will happen. And it’s so rewarding if you can help. I also enjoy working with students – it’s so great to hear their perspectives and make the most of their knowledge of IT!
I wanted to share some clients that have stood out to me during my time volunteering. I feel they reflected the varied nature of our clients and the circumstances they are facing.
- A dedicated NHS nurse who had devoted her life to caring for others was left struggling after developing severe arthritis and being refused benefits. After many years of service, she was devastated not to receive support when she needed it most. I remember she arrived at the social security tribunal with many family members, including her young grandchild, for moral support. She needed our support, and to our joy she won the appeal, receiving the benefits she was entitled to.
- A client who had additional needs and problems with literacy, making the process of filling in her forms and sending emails very challenging for her. We adjusted her laptop settings and enabled speech to
- A single mother supporting her disabled child as they faced eviction. Despite qualifying for legal aid, there was no legal support available at the time – a common situation that many of our clients face. We stood by her as the judge struck out the action, saving her and her child’s home. With my support, she got litigant in person costs plus her fares reimbursed.
Over the years, I’ve learnt that out of everything our charity provides, the most important thing is listening to the client. Sadly, often we find that when clients come to us, it is the first time they have been listened to in their case. At hearings, the emotional support is invaluable for giving them the confidence to face court. Often a client has thanked me profusely despite losing the case. This demonstrates the importance of ensuring clients feel heard, supported and guided through what can be one of the most difficult and anxiety-inducing times in their lives, and this is the key motivator for volunteering for me.
Interested in volunteering?
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