The Personal Support Unit is a service that operates in courts all over the UK. It is run almost exclusively by volunteers, from former High Court judges to students like myself, and it is, quite simply, an incredible charity. 

Nobody wants to end up in a courtroom. It can be intimidating, confusing, and the decisions made in one hearing can impact an entire life. Many of you will have read about the cuts to Legal Aid, but at the PSU we see the effects first-hand – more and more people are forced to represent themselves in court, sometimes against experienced solicitors and barristers, with little understanding of the judicial system. Volunteers like myself are on hand to make the process a little easier, be it with a well-made brew, a clear explanation, or accompanying litigants in their hearings. It's sad, but in this political climate the PSU has become a fundamental part of the justice system, supporting people through divorce, childcare orders, insolvency, domestic violence and anything else that comes to our door. 

I really believe in what the Personal Support Unit stands for, and I'm proud to offer any help I can, though it can feel like you've been hit by a bus at the end of the day! Any donation would be much appreciated – I'll run as fast as I can, honest! 

Thanks, 

Alexandra