Thank you for your interest in us, we would love to tell you more about the work we do and the people we support.
Imagine facing court as life-changing decisions are made — about your children, your home, your livelihood. You have no lawyer, no guide and no idea what might happen next. The process can be daunting, confusing, and deeply personal. At that moment, having someone to turn to matters.
We provide free, practical help to anyone representing themselves in civil and family courts, regardless of income. Our trained volunteers support people before, during and after court, helping them understand court papers, prepare what they want to say, and face proceedings with dignity and confidence. We don’t give legal advice, but we offer something just as vital: reassurance, clarity and a calm human presence at an intensely stressful time.
For 25 years, we have helped people navigate the justice system. From our beginnings in London, we have grown into a national network of 12 services across England and Wales. Last year alone, we supported people on more than 45,000 occasions — in court buildings, online, and through our national helpline. Behind every interaction is a real person: a parent seeking contact with their child, a tenant trying to keep their home, someone facing the end of a relationship.
Access to justice is a right, not a privilege. No one should have to face court alone.
Lyndsey’s Story
This is the story of Lyndsey*, a client supported by our Birmingham office — and of what happens when our support is available at the right moment.
Late one afternoon, just as our office was closing, a woman arrived with her children. She was visibly distressed. She had received a letter about a court hearing scheduled for the very next day involving her abusive ex partner.
Lyndsey was living in a refuge, had no childcare, and was terrified of attending court. She told our team she was planning not to turn up at all.
Our volunteers gently explained that if she didn’t attend, a decision could be made in her absence, potentially putting her and her children at even greater risk. They reassured her that she wouldn’t be alone.
In a very short space of time, the team put practical support in place: they arranged special measures, identified a safe exit route, alerted court security, and made sure a volunteer would be there to support her throughout the hearing the next day. They also prepared detailed notes for the volunteer so they could quickly understand her situation and provide the right support.
Lyndsey was able to attend her hearing and be heard by the judge. Because someone was there. Because the door was still open. Because support was available at the moment she needed it most.
Often, our work isn’t about dramatic interventions. It’s about being there when someone feels they can’t cope. Helping them understand their options. Making sure a frightened person knows they don’t have to disappear from the system to survive it. A gift of £25 today could help ensure that someone facing court tomorrow doesn’t have to do it alone.
If you’re able to donate, your support will help us continue providing free, in person support to people at their most vulnerable.
Thank you for standing with us, and with the people who need us most.
*Not her real name
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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.