We are an award-winning charity with over 600 dedicated volunteers. We operate across England and Wales with the aim of helping people facing civil and family courts alone. Last year our volunteers helped people on over 50,000 occasions.
Why we‘re needed
Every year, thousands of people in the UK face court alone. Often through no choice of their own, people must represent themselves at a moment that could have life-changing outcomes. This includes loss of access to children or homelessness. At the same time, people facing court alone may find themselves up against a party with legal representation. They are instantly at a disadvantage and overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenges they are up against.
How we help people
We provide a safe space, with volunteers who listen to each client’s individual story. We help people to get their thoughts in order, problem-solve and decide next steps, source relevant and reliable legal information, explain complex procedures, complete court forms, and clearly present statements. Our practical and emotional support alleviates clients’ concerns about the complicated legal system.
Last year, 95% of clients last said that our volunteers helping them made procedures clearer and made them feel better prepared. Our partnerships with legal clinics and third-sector organisations enable us to source complimentary specialist support for clients. For instance, we work with domestic abuse or homelessness charities. Our close work with HMCTS and the judiciary also enables us to provide a more holistic support system for people without representation.
The difference our volunteers make
Support from our volunteers not only makes a person’s experience less stressful but can also have a direct impact on the outcome of their case. Last year’s feedback showed that 95% of clients thought they had a fairer hearing due to the support given by our volunteers.
Everyone has a right to access justice. No one should have to face court alone.
Why people face court alone
There has been a huge increase in the number of people facing court alone. Legal aid provision has reduced over many years whilst the reduction in funding for advice agencies which has decimated provision. This means that a significant proportion of court users now cannot afford legal representation and must navigate the complex procedures involved unaided.
Some of the most disadvantaged and marginalised members of our society have been hardest hit by the changes. Legal troubles are often compounded by additional disadvantages such as unemployment, language barriers, and mental or physical disability. The burden of having to represent themselves can lead to relationship breakdown, mental health problems, financial difficulty, and even job loss. It can be a downward spiral, leaving people in a worse situation.
A cost-effective model
We have low overheads as the courts and universities in which we operate donate our office space and utilities. Our reliance on volunteers to deliver our core activities allows us to keep staff numbers low, ensuring we can support one person at a cost of £32 to our funders. Please note, that our service is free at the point of access.
The future
We continue to believe that no one should face court alone and are looking to develop ways to support more people through the civil and family courts. If you would like to get involved, please contact fundraising@supportthroughcourt.org.
We will continue to make improvements, striving to do more to support people facing court alone. We are delighted to have been awarded the Cranfield Trust J2E© recognition badge as a symbol of our commitment to continuous improvement.
How your money helps
Every gift helps provide access to a volunteer for a vulnerable person going through court.
What people have said
‘We meet people from all walks of life and help them solve their problems.’
Hannah Giebus, volunteer
Bristol
‘The charity’s volunteers often defuse angry or tense situations. On some occasions, LiPs told me they would have left the court out of anger if the charity’s volunteers hadn’t encouraged them to stay and follow the hearing through. This makes the situation for the judges easier.’
Senior Master Fontaine
London
‘I have a mental health problem and when I arrived I was overwhelmed and did not think I would be able to cope. Volunteer made it possible to get through the day. A big thank you!’
Client
Liverpool
Support us
Your help makes our work possible. There are numerous ways you can support our charity.