Personal Support Unit

The PSU is an independent charity, which supports litigants-in-person, witnesses, victims, their family members and other supporters attending the Royal Courts; the Principal Registry of the Family Division; Wandsworth County Court, Birmingham Civil Justice Centre, Cardiff Civil Justice Centre, Liverpool Civil and Family Court, Leeds Combined Court Centre (PSU opening March 2013) and Manchester Civil Justice Centre.

We have 300 fully trained and experienced volunteers, including students training for the Bar.
Our service is free, independent and confidential and the service is offered equally to everyone who asks. The PSU has gone from strength to strength and is now firmly established. 55000 clients have been helped since it opened in 2001.

Requests vary from the very simple to the complex. Some people require practical help and some just need to talk through their case. Many people request the moral and emotional support of being accompanied in court. You can come back as often as you need to.
 

Attending court with you

Helping you find out how to obtain the right forms, find relevant information on the internet, complete forms if you know what you want to say and take paperwork to the appropriate customer service desk or court office, speaking to court staff if necessary

Helping you to think clearly before, during and after your hearing

Sorting through your paperwork

Helping you find your way around the court buildings

Referring you to other agencies

Providing one-to-one supportive listening, helping clients who are undergoing a very
stressful experience

In this way we can help to ensure that you are better prepared for your hearing, are calmer in court and can present your case effectively.
We cannot offer legal advice as we are not trained to do so. This means that we cannot provide an advocacy service and we cannot represent you at hearings. We may, however, be able to put you in touch with other agencies which can provide these services.

Our offices are open during the hours that the courts sit.
You can make an appointment in advance or simply drop in on the day of your hearing; we can usually see you immediately. Click here for our contact details.