Information regarding Court procedures:
We can provide information about what you can expect when you attend court. This includes how a trial is likely to proceed and the processes involved. This can be done on the telephone before the trial date or when you visit the court either on the day or during a Pre Trial Visit.

Pre-Trial Visits:
We can arrange for you to attend court before the trial date to have time to see the empty court room. This gives you an opportunity to become familiar with the surroundings before the trial begins. To arrange this give us a ring and we will liase with the court staff and yourselves to find an appropriate time. This visit can take place on the trial day before the Courts business begins if that is more convenient to you.

Quiet Waiting Room:
We can provide you with a quiet room to wait before you give evidence. This allows you to sit away from the public area and other parties in the case.
(N.B. in some courts there are limited rooms and if you have special needs please make us aware before the trial date.)

Practical:
We can assist you in a practical way by updating you regarding the progress of the trial, asking questions of those involved in the trial and making you aware of the various facilities at court. We are not experts in court procedures, but we know who to ask on your behalf!

Special Needs:If you have any special needs, these should be made known to the Police or Crown Prosecution Service prior to the trial. If we have prior knowledge we can assist the court in providing an appropriate level of support to fulfil your needs. This may include things like entering the court from a different entrance to avoid other parties in the case.

Referral to other Support Agencies:
The Witness Service only provides support at court. If you require further specialist support once the trial is completed volunteers have access to a directory of specialist support agencies who we can put you in touch with.