Welsh-Speaking volunteers
We are currently in the process of establishing a Welsh-language service to allow fluent Welsh speakers to discuss their case in their preferred language. As a result, we need more Welsh-speaking volunteers to join our charity and help support the Welsh-speaking community. Please note, our Welsh-language services are available on Thursdays and Fridays only.
Role ad
Could you help us support people facing court alone?
Are you a great listener, with the ability to empower people in challenging and sometimes complex situations? Are you confident communicating in Welsh? We’re looking for volunteers to give practical and emotional support to people going through the civil and family courts without legal representation.
Who we are
Every year, thousands of people in the UK face court alone. Without help, they have to represent themselves whilst going through one of the most challenging periods of their lives, such as facing divorce, seeking custody of their children, or facing eviction from their home. Too many people are left bewildered, forced to navigate a complex legal system alone.
We stand alongside people that feel they have nowhere else to turn. We provide a free service across England and Wales, offering support and guidance before, during, and after court. We ensure people facing court are not alone, exploring the practicalities and equipping them to face court with dignity and self-assurance.
Support from our volunteers can have a direct impact on the outcome of a client’s case and, as a result, on the rest of their lives. Tailored to each individual, our volunteers provide wide-ranging help, eg providing legal information, explaining what would happen in court, helping people to fill out complicated legal forms, and supporting them as they plan what they would like to say to the judge.
We believe everyone has a right to a fair hearing and we believe that all the individuals and families seeking help should feel listened to and understood. No one should have to face court alone.
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for enthusiastic, caring people with strong problem-solving skills, to join us in ensuring no one faces court alone. Supported by one of our Service Managers, you will join a team of volunteers in your area helping people by:
• explaining how the court process works
• helping them to fill in court forms, prepare statements and organise court papers
• helping clients plan what they want to say in court
• attending court hearings with them, remotely and/or in person
Legal experience is valuable, but not essential. We’re looking for empathy and initiative and a commitment to working out solutions alongside the people we help. We don’t give legal advice, and wherever we can, we signpost people to more detailed advice as needed.
How we’ll support you
We’re a highly regarded, energetic and friendly charity, and our volunteers are the beating heart of all we do. You’ll work with one of our Service Managers, and will be given basic training, followed by active learning on the job, supported by a team of colleagues. We’re looking for people who can give at least 2 days a month, for an initial period of 8-12 months, and we’re happy to work with you around your other commitments. Please note, our Welsh-language service is available only on Thursdays and Fridays.
Role description
We offer opportunities to volunteer in person in selected court buildings, and/or remotely from home, by phone, video and email.
Typical tasks include, but are not limited to:
• Meeting with clients on a one-to-one basis, in person or by phone, and listening to their stories and the challenges
• Explaining court procedures and helping clients to work out their options and plan next steps
• Helping clients to understand court papers, fill in forms (online and/or on paper), write statements and complete other court-related paperwork
• Assisting clients with planning what they want to say in court eg helping them structure their thoughts, writing notes, and sometimes practising what to say
• Accompanying clients to hearings and debriefing with them to make sure they’ve understood what they need to do next
• Some admin e.g. completing follow-up forms and recording for data-collection
• Contributing to other projects aimed at improving how we help our clients
• Some fundraising
Qualities/Experiences:
• A collaborative approach
• Ability to communicate in Welsh
• Experience of working or volunteering in a customer-facing, service-based role
• Excellent listening and communication skills
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
• The patience and resilience to handle some challenging situations
• IT skills, and/or the willingness to learn our systems
Desirable:
• Some basic knowledge of the family and civil courts
• Experience working or volunteering within the third sector
Tags: Advocacy
Contact
Elli BaintonAddress:
Support Through Court Cardiff Civil and Family Justice Centre 2 Park Street, CF10 1ET
Email: e.bainton@supportthroughcourt.org
Tel: 029 2277 0348
Web: https://supportthroughcourt.org/locations/cardiff/
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