About us

Our vision

Our vision is for advice and support to be available in every court, ensuring effective community networks for all court users across the UK.

Our mission

Our mission is to improve wellbeing in our communities by giving advice and support to people experiencing the Justice System.

Our beliefs drive us

It’s possible to reduce the risk of re-offending when people are supported in a way that suits them. We believe that:

• we can reduce the risk of re-offending
• with the right support and opportunities, people can reach their potential
• we can shape attitudes by sharing our understanding of the Justice System
• strong, connected, inclusive communities foster a safer society

Our ethos

Furthermore, we believe that what happens in a community happens to everybody.

Basically, crime is rarely the result of one thing. Anyone can end up in court for a variety of reasons.

Moreover, we’re ready and willing to help. We can stay by their side, enabling them to make positive changes for themselves, their families and friends, and, ultimately, our communities.

We work alongside legal professionals, agencies and charity partners across Devon and Cornwall to build better futures.

This is why we want advice and support to be available in every court.

Our approach

We help people in crisis when they need to navigate the legal system towards a more positive future, especially when they do not qualify for Legal Aid.

Above all, we sit down and listen. We find solutions to complicated situations.

Poor literacy, anxiety, learning difficulties, mental health and addiction are huge obstacles when they’re combined. We can make phone calls, fill in forms, sort out benefits and housing, get access to counselling and healthcare, and even help with PIP applications, proof of pension, payment plans, and unpaid fines.

Why this works

For each person who comes through our door, we are the anchor, a vital link in a complex chain of agencies.

Our team works closely with magistrates, legal advisors, probation officers, social services, and solicitors. These professionals recognise the value brought by our team of advisors. Many of them refer to us – this is the reputation we have earned.

Our volunteers ensure that we are highly cost-effective. As a result, we reduce the pressure on the public purse by enhancing court efficiency and plugging the gaps with a joined-up, holistic approach.

By unlocking the potential in each individual, we divert away from crime, reduce the risk of re-offending, and make our communities safer places to live and work.

Some of the things we help with

• Benefits and PIP
• General court support
• Debt & financial worries
• Domestic abuse
• Education, training & employment
• Family matters
• Health & mental health
• Housing & homelessness
• Substance use
• Links to other Justice services
• Mental & physical health
• Literacy issues
• Access to the internet and filling in essential forms

Why we’re needed

Poverty is often the cause of crime and can lead to homelessness. With the cost of living crisis, we’re finding more people who see no option other than to commit a crime.

Cuts mean that 50% of family cases no longer meet the threshold for Legal Aid.

More and more people are navigating court processes on their own without legal representation. They are vulnerable and afraid. They need somebody by their side to get through this traumatic experience. That’s why we are a listening ear, ready to find solutions so they can move forward with confidence and avoid this happening again.