Volunteering offers a rewarding opportunity to work in courts helping vulnerable people

Our charity’s incredible service is only possible because of the time, dedication and varied experience of life that volunteers bring to bear when helping our clients.

Attending court alone is daunting. Those we support are usually unable to access any formal legal help, yet need to be able to present their own case clearly and without emotion – often facing professional barristers in court. At a time of great stress, this can seem an insurmountable task.

Our volunteers provide both reassurance and guidance, so that our clients have the very best chance of engaging with the courts in a dignified away.

Volunteers support clients by:

• explaining how the court works
• helping to fill in court forms and organise court papers
• helping clients plan what they want to say in court
• going into court hearings with them

“The charity's service is simple but effective. I’ve seen first-hand the difference a volunteer makes. Trained volunteers taking the time to listen to and support the client’s individual needs has a real impact on the life of the client” – Lord Thomas, Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales

Benefits of volunteering

In return, our volunteers receive:

• training and support for working with clients
• reimbursement of travel expenses
• experience of the court system
• a feeling of satisfaction from helping people in difficult situations

“As a volunteer with the charity, I have seen a number of cases when the client left the office in tears of joy, because they knew there was help available to them.”

Who can volunteer

We welcome applicants aged 18 or over with relevant skills, experience and time such as:

• experience of working with people and good command of spoken and written English is essential
• initiative, resourcefulness and problem-solving skills will help with some of the challenges you might face while volunteering
• common sense, compassion and reliability
• must be available a minimum of two days per month for a minimum of a year
• must not be a practicing lawyer/barrister

Legal knowledge is not necessary, although some familiarity with the legal environment is helpful. Current legal professionals are not eligible.

Attend a Volunteer Info Session

Want to know more about what to expect? Have questions? Come to one of our online Volunteer Info Sessions and hear directly from our Service team and volunteers about what it is like to be part of Support Through Court's volunteer team.

Apply to become a volunteer

If you can spare at least two days per month volunteering, we would like to hear from you. 

Please note the following when applying:

• due to our local university partnerships, many services are only able to accept student applications through our university partners.
• during the application process we will ask for and check references, including information on any criminal record and suitability to work with vulnerable people.
• please contact the local service and speak with the Service Manager if you:
  • need a reasonable adjustment for a disability or significant health problem
  • are currently, or have recently been, involved in court proceedings

To start your application process, please click on the 'Apply now' button below. Please view our Volunteer Privacy Policy for information on what data is collected from volunteers and volunteer applicants as well as how the data will be used.

Other volunteering opportunities

Maybe you have some specific skills you could offer us. We need volunteers to support our small staff team in areas such as IT, fundraising, and general administrative work. Please contact your local service to discuss how you can support us.