To support practically and emotionally the family and other witnesses attending the Coroners’ Courts.
Registered Charity Number: 1105899 +44 (0)300 111 2141 info@ccsupport.org.uk

About CCSS

The Coroners’ Courts Support Service (CCSS) is an independent voluntary organisation whose trained volunteers offer emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending an inquest at a Coroner’s Court.  We are a charity who do not receive central government funding, and rely on grants and donations to be able to undertake our work.

History

Our organisation was set up by the Founder Trustee who attended an Inquest with her cousin whose son, David, had tragically died in a road traffic collision abroad. As David’s body was brought back to this country an Inquest had to be conducted.
 
Who will be there to help?

Our volunteers use listening skills, demonstrate empathy and show a non-judgmental and non-prejudicial attitude to support those attending. The volunteers build rapport and trust to enable those attending to identify and talk about their needs in order for them to fully understand and participate in the proceedings.

A Coroner’s Court can be a bewildering and confusing place to attend. Bereaved families and witnesses often have little or no understanding of the processes and procedures that occur and may feel that they have not been able to fully participate in the proceedings. This may have an impact on their ability to recover or move on within the grieving process. The very difficult circumstances surrounding the death that warrants an Inquest already makes the grieving process complicated and can often delay the normal, natural grieving process. The CCSS volunteers explain the processes, procedures and the remit of the Inquest thus helping those attending to have a much better understanding of their role within this, often frightening environment (indeed, some witnesses have attended an Inquest believing that they will be found guilty of a criminal offence and sent to prison). The relief they have felt once the volunteer has been able to explain the remit is palpable.

The volunteers face very distressed people every day from many different backgrounds, circumstances and lifestyles. It is vital that our volunteers are able to support everyone who attends with a non-judgmental attitude.

We also provide a telephone helpline staffed by our volunteers to provide people with information and advice throughout the process of a Coroner’s inquest.

What People Say:

“I just wanted to say a big thank you to one of your volunteers.  At a very distressing time she put everyone at ease and explained everything in a warm, kind and caring manner.  She is a complete star and should be extremely proud of herself and the great job she does. A little kindness really does go a long way at a very stressful and sad time.”

“I didn’t expect to be supported by a CCSS volunteer who was so kind and professional in her unobtrusive approach staying with me right through the day. This enabled me to feel calm and confident so that I could focus on what was being said”

“The volunteers are indispensable, sound, well trained, committed, compassionate people who truly make a difference to all those attending an Inquest at an awful time in their lives.  When I know the volunteers are there, I know the people they support are in safe and caring hands.”

 

Useful Articles:

Ministry of Justice Coroners Statistics 2022
Link

Guide to Coroner Service
Link

Coroners and Justice Act 2009
Link