After graduating from the University of Falmouth with a degree in English and Creative Writing, Nicole has decided upon a legal career. She is now distance learning at BPP University for a Masters in Law for 16 months. Her volunteering inside the Magistrates’ Court in Truro has inspired her to do meaningful work. As a result, her aim is to provide legal aid for vulnerable adults.
Volunteering
Nicole’s volunteering has opened her eyes to the underlying reasons for people being at court. For example, she has recently worked with someone who did not know how to pay their Council Tax. They ended up in court for non-payment of fines. Nicole explains:
‘There are many people who are unable to read and write and they need all the help they can get.
People shouldn’t have to wait for justice
‘So many of our clients have been affected by delays in the family court. Cases are dragging on and on. It’s extremely stressful when cases are delayed and adjourned, despite the client fulfilling all court requests. Meanwhile, parents and children are separated and they really miss each other. In some cases, children are left with the perpetrator and this has huge repercussions. I think many would have given up if it had not been for CASS+.
Frustrated by the system
People get so frustrated when they are treated like a number. They just need a someone to listen. On top of this, they need practical advice and specialist support.
Improving lives
This is all about improving lives. So many are going through the most stressful time of their lives. For instance, when someone has been homeless and in and out of prison, the frustration builds up and they can get very angry. They need to be helped to calm down.
Learning about the court process
I am learning so much about the court process. I particularly like working one-to-one with clients. This volunteering has opened my eyes to the issues facing people going through the justice system. There are so few people who qualify for legal aid.
Listening skills
Now that I know more about court procedures, I can guide people through the system efficiently. Also, I can explain all the options and avenues open to them. Alongside keeping professional distance, I’m also learning to listen. Ultimately, it’s vital to take a non-judgemental approach.
I am learning the academic side, but it’s so very different when you have a human being in front of you.
Communication skills
It’s not enough to read about it in books – you need to immerse yourself in court life. I’m learning so much about public and criminal law in action. Consequently, I can translate the language, ensuring that the CASS+ clients understand what’s going on.
Ultimately, it’s really important that people feel supported.’
Volunteering
Each volunteer gets something different from their time at CASS+, but we’re confident that you will be gaining new life-changing opportunities, skills, knowledge and experience.
Interested in volunteering?
If you are interested in addressing social inequalities inside the Magistrates’ Courts in Devon and Cornwall, please contact admin@cassplus.org