Emily excelled as a volunteer in Exeter. We were sorry to say goodbye to her this summer, but we want to celebrate her achievements. As one of our graduate volunteers, Emily has now moved away to prepare for her Masters. We’re so proud of everything she achieved at Exeter Crown and County Court.
Going the extra mile
Not only did Emily volunteer with CASS+, but she also went the extra mile at university. As the Welfare Officer for the University Volleyball Club, she was able to offer mental health support to her fellow students. As a result, she was awarded the Club Award for dedication and commitment.
Changemaker Project Lead
On top of this, Emily was a Changemaker Project Lead at Exeter Students’ Guild. Consequently, she is now in a position to address inequality and raise awareness of how underlying physical health issues impact mental health. On top of this, she volunteered as a disabled Peer Mentor for students with ADHD and Autism.
Emily excelled as a volunteer
Emily has now graduated with a First in Criminology at the University of Exeter. She was able to draw on her experience inside court to inform her final year dissertation addressing ways to reduce contact with the Criminal Justice System through mental health recognition. This quantitative analysis of criminal defendants in England and Wales has earned her the high score of 82. We feel privileged to have supported her at the start of her career. Emily excelled as a volunteer in Exeter. This volunteering has not only given her first-hand knowledge of the system, but it has also enabled her to discover new talents.
Personal and professional development
We’re very proud of the volunteer training that we offer here. When Emily first started, she felt nervous about answering the phone and going into court. But now, she’s confident to do both. On top of this, she is able to articulate the issues our clients face.
Making a difference
Like many before her, volunteering has also helped Emily to realise that she wants to make a difference for people going through the Justice System. She has found her voice and will continue to advocate for improving the system. In particular, she has noticed that it costs around £60k for one person to be inside for a year. So, she’s keen to look for new ways to rehabilitate and reduce re-offending. Emily picks up:
One of our clients went to jail
‘One of our clients went to jail. He made a small mistake. He had just started to sort himself out with a little business and get himself back on track with support for his mental health. The theft of his food money led to a completely unnecessary chain of events. His vulnerability, PTSD and health issues weren’t recognised by the court. I was gutted for him. Every single service has let him down.
People try to make changes
People try to make changes, but if they are sent to prison, their underlying mental health needs may not get sorted out. When they come out of prison, they’re so isolated and lonely. This makes them vulnerable to predators. I now understand how someone can end up homeless and then at court. I wish there was more support in the community.
Through this volunteering, I’ve been in a strong position to make presentations to academics and peers on people trafficking, county lines and vulnerable people in the court.’
Emily’s research
As part of her criminology degree at the University of Exeter, Emily has explored the relationship between mental health and the Criminal Justice System. Then, how issues like drug use can contribute to both poor mental health and, therefore, increase contact with the Justice System. Drawing on data provided by CASS+, Emily has researched the way that drug usage can mask mental health issues.
Advocating for mental health awareness
Emily is advocating for mental health awareness throughout the Justice System. She summarises here:
People are at risk of more offending if they don’t get support for their mental health and drug use. Furthermore, my findings demonstrate that mental health issues limit a person’s fitness to plead. We need to do everything we can to improve their social outcomes, especially at policy level.
So many people have been let down. It feels good to support them at a time when nobody else will help. This is why the CASS+ service is so important.
Plans for the future
Emily excelled throughout her time as a volunteer and she has plans for the future. She is clearer on what needs to be fixed in the Justice System. Her next step is an MPhil or MSc in Criminology. Ultimately, she would like to work at policy level. We wish Emily all the best for the future.
Watch Emily’s film
Watch Emily’s film here.
Interested in volunteering in Exeter, Newton Abbot, Plymouth, Bodmin or Truro Magistrates’ Courts?
Emily excelled as a volunteer in Exeter. You could too!
Find out more about volunteering here. We’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV or MV and 1-page letter of introduction to: admin@cassplus.org.