Support Through Court
NLS is the sole host university for Support Through Court's (STC) National Helpline and National Online Service.
Both national services enable those without legal representation to receive immediate help, support and guidance. A benefit of our expanded STC partnership, NLS students can access an increased number of work experience opportunities - making it the largest STC university partnership to date.
About Support Through Court
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 provides those going through court proceedings alone, also known as litigants in person, with vital practical and emotional support before, during and after proceedings, guiding people through some of their darkest of days.
As a Support Through Court volunteer, you will be involved in their work to empower people who can’t access legal aid and are facing court alone by:
- providing one-to-one supportive listening, helping clients who are undergoing a very stressful experience
- sorting through clients’ paperwork and helping them to complete court forms
- helping clients to think clearly before, during and after their hearings
- attending court with clients, or supporting them in remote hearings
- helping clients understand court processes
- giving clients information about other agencies, including legal advice providers
Case studies
The following case studies give a flavour of the work Support Through Court do with their clients:
Case study 1
Ms K is fighting to get her children back from local authority care or increase her access to them. She has chosen not to be represented as she has lost confidence in the legal profession. She asks for our help because she is aware she is calmer when a volunteer accompanies her.
Case study 2
Mrs B is separated from her violent and intimidating ex-husband, but occasionally they both still have to appear in court. She needs a great deal of reassurance. The volunteer arranges for her to leave the court by a separate entrance from the ex-husband.
Case study 3
Mr L is in his late 70s and fighting a case of bad workmanship on his house. He finds paperwork very daunting. A volunteer took 3 carrier bags of disordered papers and ordered them into files. It took all day. The client's relief and happiness was a pleasure to watch.
Volunteering with Support Through Court has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me. It has not only allowed me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals navigating the court system but has also played a significant role in my own personal growth and career aspirations. This hands-on experience has complemented my academic learning and enriched my understanding of the legal system.
It has allowed me to build connections within the legal community, working alongside dedicated professionals and fellow volunteers who share the same passion for access to justice. The support and guidance I have received from the organization have been invaluable in shaping my career goals and providing me with a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Khadija, Nottingham Law School Student Volunteer
Frequently asked questions about being a Support Through Court volunteer
In order to volunteer for Support Through Court Nottingham you need to be a current NLS student.
No. Support Through Court only operates in the civil and family courts. This means you will be dealing with clients who have had problems with debt, housing, money claims, divorce and care of children, employment or any other civil matter.
As well as your application form and CV, we ask for information about any unspent convictions, and we also require at least one of your referees to confirm that there is no reason why you shouldn’t be suitable to work with vulnerable clients.