Madiha has always had a real interest in people and the physical structure of the brain. Now she’s discovered her true passion for psychology at The University of Plymouth. Over time, she has achieved a good work-life balance between her studies and volunteering with us at CASS+.
Volunteering is the chance to turn learning into reality
Consequently, Madiha applies her knowledge alongside growing new skills and experience. On top of this, she’s making a huge contribution to our work as a CASS+ volunteer.
Lessons learned
Madiha explains what she’s been up to at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court:
It’s really important to stay calm and give people plenty of time to talk, no matter what they are going through. There’s a lot of prejudice about people coming through court. I’ve learnt to never judge anyone. That is to say, we all make mistakes.
As part of my degree, I’ve learnt that it’s evolutionary that women have strong intuition, built for self-protection. Consequently, I’m trusting my intuition more than ever before.
We make sure that everyone is accepted and given a warm welcome. I can make a quick analysis and tailor the conversation to allow each person to open up and talk. For instance, I recently gave emotional support to a mother. Another time, I provided support to a man who needed help securing accommodation and liaised with PATH and other services on his behalf.
It’s not just the life of the individual affected. For instance, for close family and friends, life may never be the same again if someone goes to prison.
Time
Jimmy McGovern’s award-winning prison drama Time has deeply affected our team. Watching the new Series 2 on iPlayer will help you understand about the issues women in the Justice System face. The drama is very well-researched and authentic. Homes and jobs – which paid barely enough to survive on and often led to the crimes in the first place – are lost. Consequently, children go into foster care. This is all-too familiar to us here at CASS+.
The stakes are high
Watch this drama on BBC iPlayer and you will begin to understand why the stakes are so high for the people who come through our door. Above all, more people are now confronting poverty. This means that the CASS+ team finds itself plugging more and more gaps in the system. Meanwhile, our case load is increasing.
Change is needed
Madiha has noticed the stress that primary care-givers go through whilst waiting for their case. Arriving when court opens, they don’t know when they will be called through. Children are not allowed in the court waiting areas. Consequently, things get very tense in the waiting areas as the school pickup approaches.
Next steps?
Most importantly, Madiha is aiming for an MSc in Forensic Psychology or Psychology. Moreover, she hopes to use her Urdu and Punjabi in the court room. She’s confident that she’s on the right path. On top of this, she’s determined to make a difference by volunteering more in the future.
Thanks to all our volunteers
To conclude, we want to say a big thank you to all our volunteers. We couldn’t do this vital work without you all.
Please contact admin@cassplus.org if you would like to volunteer in Exeter, Newton Abbot, Plymouth, Bodmin or Truro.