Update on Activities

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, Thank you so much for your help and support yesterday! Especially to your volunteer for staying with me to chat. It really helped me with the situation and was such a support for the remaining time at the court as well the memories I have of it. With kind regards.

Other Activities:

Almost all our volunteers gave up a Saturday morning in February for an update training session. The theme this time was Safeguarding – as it affects both court users and the volunteers themselves. One of our trustees, Professor Jill Stavert, gave a talk entitled “The importance of listening in accessing justice”.

Links with Court officials: Some of us met with the Sheriff Principal, Nigel Ross, in November. We were able to raise issues we encounter with court users and our role when engaging with them, which Sheriffs may not always be aware of. We were invited to provide six-monthly reports highlighting our experiences.