Exeter student volunteer reveals how court delays can affect the mental health of people going through the justice system.
Saskia balances volunteering with studies and sport
They always say if you want a job done, ask a busy person. And, Saskia is no exception. Despite a busy schedule, she is a dedicated volunteer at Exeter Crown and County Court. For the last year, she has been giving one day a way to support people through court.
Learning as she goes
Saskia is looking to the future. She is planning a legal career and this volunteering role gives her very good work experience at the coalface.
Balancing volunteering with studies
Saskia balances her volunteering with her studies. She believes that this is the perfect combination whilst studying Classics at the University of Exeter. It keeps her grounded and, after graduation, she will do a law conversion course with the view to corporate or sports law.
Balancing volunteering with sport
Not only is Saskia volunteering whilst studying for a BA in Classics, but she is also a top athlete, performing at the highest level.
Team Bath Netball
All in all, Saskia is a rising star in the world of netball, bringing flair and spark to the game. She is a highly-rated Goal Attack (GA) and Wing Attack (WA) netballer, playing for the Team Bath Netball development squad. Recently, she was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) for Team Bath Netball Next Generation against Forest Netball.
Hard work and dedication
All things considered, whether it be sport or study or volunteering, Saskia works extremely hard. As a result, she travels 2.5 hours to train in Bath three times a week. This is a gruelling schedule, but she is resilient and highly capable. Saskia balances volunteering with studies and sport and we’re very proud to have her on team CASS+.
Saskia’s volunteering journey
We asked Saskia to share what she has learnt here at CASS+:
‘This volunteering has been a real eye-opener. I’m meeting people from all walks of life. As a result, I now feel confident to speak to anyone. Now, I understand why so many people are frustrated by the justice system. They arrive at court very confused about what is expected of them. On top of this, it’s very intimidating.
Court delays can affect mental health
The repercussions are huge when court hearings are delayed. Some people are waiting all day, not knowing whether or when they will be called into court. For the most part, they get incredibly frustrated. Unfortunately, the anxiety and stress build up and mental health is affected. This is why CASS+ needs to be here for them. They feel so much better when we explain what’s going on. It’s just about bringing empathy and understanding into the crisis.
If we weren’t here to explain what’s going on, I believe many would walk out in frustration.
Story from the coalface
As a CASS+ volunteer, I can sit in the court and speak to witnesses. We always ask if there is anything we can do to help. In particular, one person was incredibly scared that they may go to prison. Luckily, they were okay and thanked me for being by their side. They were very worked up and I was able to take their mind off things. In brief, it meant a lot to be able to help someone in this way. Ultimately, it’s so rewarding to go home in the knowledge that I have helped so directly.
What volunteering means to me
Volunteering has given me the confidence to speak to people from all walks of life and to understand how the justice system works in the UK.’
Watch the film
Watch Saskia’s film here.
Interested in volunteering at Exeter Crown and County Court?
We are so thankful that, despite busy schedules, so many of our volunteers are able to find time to support team CASS+. Find out more about volunteering at CASS+ here.
Complete the volunteer application form here.