Working With Support Through Court To Fund National Helpline

A charity that delivers access to justice across the UK is set to receive a £20,000 donation, thanks to colleagues at Irwin Mitchell and the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation (IMCF).

Support through Court is an access to justice charity, which helps those forced to represent themselves through legal proceedings.

This latest donation follows a donation of £10,000 last year by the IMCF, an independent charity founded in 1997 by employees of the national law firm, that has now raised over £3 million for good causes in the UK and overseas.

This recent donation will be used to fund Support Through Court’s National Helpline, an invaluable resource for the increasing number of users needing help and guidance to navigate the legal system. The helpline ensures those without legal representation across England and Wales have a place to turn when facing civil and family court proceedings, by providing vital support.

To meet the increase in demand, the helpline has substantially increased the number of support sessions provided, from 13,701 in 2022 to 17,031 in 2023.

Irwin Mitchell has worked alongside Support Through Court for a number of years, including fundraising for the charity during last year’s national Pro Bono Week in November.

Support Through Court exists to reduce the disadvantage of people facing the civil or family justice system without a lawyer. Going through court can be incredibly complex and bewildering. The charity provide practical and emotional support to people facing court alone, empowering people who feel that they have nowhere else to turn.

An award-winning charity with over 600 dedicated volunteers, they operate from courts and universities across England and Wales. Despite the growing need for their work, they remain the only organisation providing this service.

Liana Telvi-Blom, Senior Partnerships Manager at Support Through Court, said: “By supporting our helpline for a second year, this IMCF donation will enable us to grow this service, expand our reach, and ensure that no one has to face court alone, regardless of their location. We wouldn't be able to achieve this growth without the support of IMCF and look forward to all that we will achieve together.”

The additional £20,000 donation was possible thanks to colleagues at Irwin Mitchell who donate to the IMCF via the Give As You Earn programme, a salary sacrifice scheme, where monthly donations are matched by the firm.

Adrian Budgen is a partner and founding IMCF trustee at Irwin Mitchell.

Expert Opinion

“Support Through Court do amazing work at a time when access to justice is a worry for many people. The helpline is a vital part of the charity’s support and we’re delighted to help ensure this service continues.

“Our colleagues are committed to supporting our clients and the wider communities in which we all live and work. Helping those in need was a key motivator for many of our staff to work in law and it’s great that the IMCF can lend its support, as we build on this work as part of our wider drive to become a leading responsible business.” Adrian Budgen, Partner

Access to justice is an issue of increasing concern in the UK following a lack of investment in civil legal aid over the last decade which has left millions of people in the UK unable to access legal support for issues ranging from housing to domestic abuse.