Ellie, our Social Work placement from the University of Plymouth, takes great pleasure in helping people. And sometimes, what seems straightforward to her can mean so much. People are so thankful for the help they receive. Seeing their appreciation makes the job very rewarding. As a result, Ellie knows that her social work placement is making a real difference at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court.
People are so thankful
People are so thankful for the help they receive. Consequently, a sense of satisfaction is a regular feeling. That’s what makes our job here at CASS+ so rewarding. Ellie picks up:
Everyone needs help with something. I know we can help.
Everyone needs help with something
‘This can be anything from signposting for support to filling in a form; or understanding what’s happening at court to lending a listening ear.
Complex situations
This has opened my eyes to the complex situations people face. I’m particularly concerned about the poverty and the barriers so many people face.
Common issues – everyone needs help with something
Some of the most common issues are: access to Legal Aid; support after court (no matter what the resolution); substance use; and mental health.
Bus fares
And then there are the bus fares. Some people need to travel a long way for their court hearing. Many can’t afford their bus fare. For one person, this proved to be a real mountain to climb. I so wanted to help. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get hold of our usual contacts. Consequently, I ended up working all morning to find a solution. With English as their second language, I’m not sure whether they would have been able to do this for themselves. Thankfully, Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support came to the rescue. This simple act of kindness meant so much to our client.
Fines
It’s particularly satisfying when people have been trying to resolve issues with their fines to no avail. We can go directly to the Fines Office and get to the bottom of it. The relief on their faces when they leave says it all.
Traffic offences
Traffic cases have now been moved from Bodmin to Plymouth – people are coming from Cornwall to hear their cases. They’re so concerned that they will lose their licence and won’t be able to get to work. Their world is falling apart and they need emotional support. We can help them understand that this is just a short-term thing and not the end of the world. We explain that there are ways around this.
Cells
It’s heart breaking to meet people who’ve spent the entire weekend confined to a cell. They can be close to the edge. Sometimes, we meet women who are in a cell because of an abusive relationship. There’s always more to it. Frequently, there’s a back story with many problems in the past. For instance, they may have been in and out of care and experienced a lot of trauma. It builds up and then there’s the trauma of the offence.
Putting learning into practice
I’m putting my learning into practice here at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court. I’m learning that everyone needs help with something.
Personal, cultural and structural
This has really helped me to understand how to use Thompson’s PCS Model. Oppression operates on these three levels: personal, cultural and structural. This has helped me understand how someone can be in this situation at court.
It’s important not to judge
I’ve learned so much here. Above all, it’s important not to judge. I don’t think about the offence. This way, I can focus on the person and their needs. As a result, I try to understand what’s going on in someone’s life. We’re working so hard to help people move towards a more positive future.
Confidence
This placement has really helped me grow in confidence. I’m looking forward to qualifying as a social worker in a couple of years.’
Watch this video
Find out how we help here and watch this short animation here.
Looking for a placement or volunteering opportunities?
Contact admin@cassplus.org to find out more about volunteering or student placements at CASS+. We would love to welcome you to one of our hubs in Exeter, Newton Abbot, Plymouth, Bodmin or Truro.