Support at Court
The Inquest
We understand that a Coroner’s Court can be a bewildering place to attend. As a bereaved family member or a witness, it is an event of which you may have little or no understanding. The difficult circumstances that surround a death requiring an Inquest already complicates the grieving process and can often delay it. You may also feel like you have been waiting and hoping for something to change once the Inquest is over.
The vision of the CCSS is to have volunteers available at every Court in England and Wales. It is our hope that no one should attend an Inquest without the practical and emotional support our volunteers can provide.
When you arrive at court our volunteers will be there to greet you. They will explain what is going to happen, show you the building and the facilities. They will answer any questions where appropriate. Our volunteers can also signpost you to other organisations that can offer any long term support you may require. You can find other support agencies on our Useful links & organisations page
Our Telephone Support Service provides volunteers who can deliver specialised local support about the court you are attending. If you would like to speak with a volunteer before you attend court then please contact our National Helpline on 0300 111 2141.
Practising in inquests: working with support organisations
In this video, Beverley Radcliffe, former Director of the Coroners’ Court Support Service, explains why it is important for the lawyers who practise in inquests to work with support organisations, and how this can help their clients.
To understand more about inquests you might find the following links useful to watch.
Practising in inquests: The importance of practising competently
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlGMP6j2Ngk
Practising in inquests: how to communicate and engage with vulnerable people
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33jH0nuYUOs
Practising in inquests: helping the inquest run smoothly
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvJiDln0DdM
Practising in inquests: understanding the unique nature of inquests
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoSIDlhprxc