We have signed a new charitable partnership with Support Through Court. The charity makes sure people facing court are not alone and help them navigate a complex legal system with dignity and self-assurance.
Every year, thousands of people in the UK face court alone. Often through no choice of their own, they must represent themselves at a moment that could determine the rest of their life. They may face divorce, eviction from their home, or the loss of their children. In an unfamiliar courtroom, up against a party with legal representation, the process can be stressful and confusing.
Support Through Court stands with those who have nowhere else to turn. The charity provides a free service across England and Wales, offering support and guidance before, during, and after court. Its volunteers help clients put their thoughts in order, so they are clear about the court process and so that they can best represent themselves.
Everyone has a right to a fair hearing. Support Through Court believes that any individual or family seeking help should feel listened to and understood. No one should have to face court alone.
In the words of Rt Hon the Lord Burnett of Maldon, Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales: “Countless people who do not have lawyers need help and support in our courts. Support Through Court provides an invaluable public service in aid of the administration of justice.”
How does Support Through Court help?
There are 500 volunteers across England and Wales who offer free and independent help, tailored to the needs of each individual client.
Volunteers provide emotional and practical support before, during, and after a court hearing so that clients are assisted during the whole process. Charity and volunteers listen to the clients and help them order their thoughts, and enable them to present their case to the best of their ability.
This might involve helping clients to understand the court process and fill in forms or prepare statements. Crucially, volunteers can sit alongside clients in court, and in remote hearings they can share the experience and talk to the client afterwards.
Support Through Court also works in synergy with other organisations and signpost to other support agencies and sources of free or affordable legal advice, where it is appropriate to do so. Ultimately, charity aims to empower people to participate fully in the legal process, so that they can better access justice.
“Our mission is to support claimants gain access to justice. Litigation funding is well known for helping large corporations but we are helping everyday people and small businesses access funding. We share similar goals with Support Through Court and want better access to justice for everyone.” – Tom Webster, Commercial Director.
How can you get involved?
Support Through Court ability to keep the costs low means that a one-off donation of £32 can help a vulnerable person access invaluable support through the stressful court experience and help them better access justice.
You can get involved in a number of different ways:
- Become a Champion, giving regularly to help vulnerable people facing court alone.
- Get your company involved by joining the Guardians Network, looking at sponsorship options and asking about staff engagement.
- Support your community by joining one of charity’s events or taking on your own challenge.
- Charity regularly runs events on the theme of access to justice – keep an eye on the website to see what’s coming up.
Here is a quote from Sir Terence Etherton, Master of the Rolls and Head of Civil Justice, to summarise the whole action:
“Judges are very grateful for the help they offer people before, during, and after court proceedings. [Support Through Court] volunteers make a real difference to our justice system.”
If you’d like to find out more about Support Through Court and the work it does to support people going through court alone, please visit the website: supportthroughcourt.org
November 25, 2022
Insights
