Explore our timeline to see how we began and how we’ve grown to support those facing court alone across England and Wales over the last quarter century.
2001
Diana Copisarow OBE recognised a gap in support for civil court users and went on to found the first Personal Support Unit, working in the corridors at the Royal Courts of Justice.
2010
We reached the milestone of providing 30,000 support sessions, reflecting the growing demand for our work. Now a national charity, we had extended our services to Manchester and the Central Family Court in London.
2012
Our services expanded into Wales, with a new office opening in Cardiff. Further services in Liverpool and Birmingham were also established, supported by a growing team of eight staff and 200 volunteers.
2013
The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO) introduced, significantly reducing access to legal aid, leading to a sharp rise in the number of people forced to represent themselves in court.
2014
We won the Guardian Charity Award for an outstanding contribution to social welfare, excellence and innovation among small and medium charities.
2019
The Personal Support Unit rebranded, becoming Support Through Court. We had expanded across England and Wales, having opened offices in Chelmsford, Leeds, Southend and Sheffield.
2020
Our National Helpline, launched in March 2020 as the Covid pandemic spread, recording over 15,000 sessions throughout the year.
2023
Support Through Court Online, our remote service supporting people across England and Wales, was launched in partnership with Nottingham Trent University.
2024
We have partnered with Birmingham City University, Cardiff University, Leeds Beckett University, Liverpool John Moores University, Manchester Metropolitan University, Nottingham Trent University, St Mary’s University, Twickenham, and the University of Sheffield, enabling students to support people facing court alone while gaining practical experience and building essential legal skills.
2026
Since 2001, we have provided 721,120 support sessions. We’re celebrating 25 years of supporting people through court, proud of the difference we’ve made together.
For 25 years we have believed that no one should have to face court alone. Over that time, we have grown and developed our services; training volunteers to offer essential emotional and practical assistance to those navigating court without lawyer.
Since 2001, we have grown our impact across the country; last year, over 1,500 volunteers provided over 51,000 support sessions.
On our anniversary, we’re remembering our beginnings at the Royal Courts of Justice. We’re honouring the vision and determination of our founder, Diana Copisarow OBE, and all those who shaped our early years. And we’re recognising the volunteers, supporters, staff and partners who carry our mission forward today.
We open the doors to justice for those navigating court without legal representation and create a fairer society for all.
With nine face-to-face services alongside our National Helpline and Support Through Court Online, we support anyone across England and Wales. This reflects our commitment to continue the mission we were founded upon; to make justice accessible to all. Looking at our future ahead we are guided by this vision and we are excited for all that we will achieve.
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As we celebrate 25 years of empowering people facing court alone, we would love to keep you updated on our events, appeals and impact.
Our 25th birthday blog
Find out about our beginnings and 25 years of standing beside people who face court without legal representation.
Lyndsey’s story
Hear from Charlotte Rook, our Head of Service, on what 25 years of standing beside people facing court really means.