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
Mr C was going through a Child Arrangements Order, his ex-partner had representation, and he did not. We supported him before and after his hearing to offer emotional support and reassurance. We took notes during the hearing and debriefed with him afterwards.
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.
Case study 4
Miss B was going through the small claims court against a gas company who she was claiming against due to a gas fire in her property. Miss B was struggling mentally and seeking emotional support through the process. We guided her with emotional support, as well as helping her to complete the money claims form. We supported her further by offering guidance and information on the small claims process.
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
Frequent questions about being a Support Through Court volunteer
Yes. We have a partnership with Nottingham Law School meaning that the volunteering opportunity with us is open to all law students. Non-law students are not able to volunteer with us.
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.
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.
No! Our training plans are designed to help you get all the information you may need for taking calls and supporting those accessing our service. We have training and induction days to make you feel fully prepared.
The Remote Services consist of our National Online Services and National Helpline, we support our clients over the phone, video calls and email. This is the service we run here at NTU in partnership with Nottingham Law School.
We have a minimum commitment level of two full days a month from our volunteers, that can be split across 4 half days. We aim to make our shifts as flexible as possible, in order to tailor into your school timetables.
Yes! Speak to our team for more information on this.
Yes! As we are a charity, a lot of what we do involves fundraising. We have a fundraising team you can join, where you can plan and take part in a range of events for the charity.
Get involved with Support Through Court
Support Through Court provides a range of information about getting involved on its website, from events to volunteering initiatives.
If you are a current or prospective NLS student and have any queries, you can send an email: