Mary dedicates a day each week at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court
Mary volunteers each week at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court. She dedicates a day a week supporting people through court. We’re extremely honoured to have her on our team.
Mary brings a wealth of experience with dealing with the public
Mary volunteers inside Plymouth Magistrates’ Court. Mary knows how to deal with the general public. Mary brings a wealth of experience with dealing with the public. Not only was she a Traffic Warden, but also a Police Community Support Officer. On top of this, she was a volunteer at the Visitors’ Centre at Dartmoor Prison for two years after she retired. This represents a life dedicated to serving the public. As a result, Mary understands the issues our people face.
Mary has great people skills
Mary’s people skills stand her in good stead for her role as a volunteer at court. She has learnt not to judge anyone. On top of this, she deals with each person as a unique individual with potential to contribute to society. She is patient, compassionate and kind towards everyone who comes her way.
Mary is extremely empathetic when it comes to the people who come through our door. She understands the nerves and helps people to be strong. This is what she tells someone who has not been to court before:
Get into the court. Get it over and done with. Draw a line. Get on with it.
Mary is there, ready to get people the help they need when they feel nervous:
‘The key to getting away from crime is support. People need to be pointed in the right direction. If they get the ongoing encouragement they need, the future is positive with CASS+ by their side.
Last week, I saw a young lad who was at risk of homelessness. He was struggling to speak because he was so anxious. I was able to speak for him and fill in his forms. We got him over the line. He left court a lot happier. We’re still supporting him – he knows where we are.
I have also helped someone who was in court for shoplifting. She was worried sick about collecting her kids from school, but we managed to bring her appointment with probation earlier. She left the court feeling a lot better.
This is meaningful work and I am proud to represent CASS+ inside Plymouth Magistrates’ Court.’
Interested in volunteering?
Please contact admin@cassplus.org to join our friendly team.