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STOP PRESS! STOP PRESS! NEW VOLUNTEER LISTENER RECRUITMENT ROUND THIS AUTUMN ONLINE APPLICATION FORM IS OPEN – Closing date for applications MONDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2026 - The Listening Service Edinburgh is looking to recruit up to six new volunteer listeners ready to start participating in the service by the New Year. Volunteers are required to offer a non-judgemental listening ear on a 1 to 1 basis, while maintaining court user confidentiality, to help court users find their

On 5 June a number of our volunteers attended the memorial service for Jim Wallace, Lord Wallace of Tankerness, who had been our most supportive Patron for three years. The service was held in Dunblane Cathedral, where he had sung in the choir. It was a very heart-warming occasion fully filled by a large number of people from his many activities– from politics and the legal profession, from his role as Moderator of The Church of Scotland, from the many causes he espoused. The

In March and April our 34 volunteer listeners had significant conversations with 323 court users. Our service is entirely confidential and we take care that nothing which could identify our users is recorded – the users may be the accused, or the family and friends supporting them, or sometimes witnesses or jurors. However, it is good sometimes to know that we have helped in sharing anxieties and concerns, as in these comments: “That was really helpful. Thank you” and “It was

Conversations: In January and February 2026 our 34 volunteers had significant conversations with 337 people. Conversations can be with a variety of court users – whether the accused, or the family and friends supporting them. Sometimes witnesses or jurors. Sometimes they just need help finding their way about, but other times they are helped by sharing their anxieties and concerns. A recent message to our website helps to illustrate this: Message to the Listening Service, Tha

The Listening Service Edinburgh is very sad to advise of the passing of their Patron, Lord Wallace of Tankerness on 29th January 2026. Lord (Jim) Wallace of Tankerness became Patron of The Listening Service Edinburgh in 2022, having learned about their valuable work, when, as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, he visited Edinburgh Sheriff Court. As our patron he was an unwavering supporter of the Service rarely missing a board meeting and always help

The Listening Service Edinburgh acknowledges the generous support of The Merchant Company Endowments Trust Community Grants Scheme. The application process was handled by Foundation Scotland on behalf of The Merchant Company which included a review of the constitution and procedures of the charity. This funding enables the important work of The Listening Service Edinburgh to continue.