Huge thanks to The Lord Mayor of Plymouth for all her support. It was wonderful to give our volunteers the recognition they deserve at our recent awards ceremony in June. At the event, The Lord Mayor thanked them on behalf of all the people who come through the magistrates’ courts in Devon and Cornwall. They go over and above, supporting people who face very difficult choices, like ‘do I pay the TV licence or do I put food on the table.’ Unpaid fines can lead to court and then the vicious cycle of debt and then another visit to court. And so it goes on. All this costs the public purse. This is why CASS+ needs to be inside the courts in Plymouth, Newton Abbot, Truro and Bodmin.
The Lord Mayor wanted to investigate further with a guided tour of Plymouth Magistrates’ Court in July. On the day, we were able to share more about what we do for those facing legal proceedings:
‘I really enjoyed meeting the team and getting a better understanding of the work that CASS+ carries out supporting people through the judicial system. People at different points in their lives may need support and a helping hand. If this is offered at the right time, at best it can change people’s futures but even if it doesn’t, the advice comes when people may be vulnerable with no pathway forward. CASS+ helps people to take responsibility and take action to find their way forward.’
The Lord Mayor explained that she has never been inside an actual court before, so we’re looking forward to welcoming her again when she will sit discreetly alongside a volunteer at the back of the court.
When we break the cycle of reoffending, we benefit the individual, their family, their friends, and our entire community. At CASS+, we believe in the possibility of change. With the right advice and support, anyone who comes through our door gets the chance to turn their lives around.