On 16th October, employees, volunteers, supporters and past clients of local charity CASS+ gathered at the stunning Boconnoc Estate to mark their 20th anniversary. CASS+ gives free, confidential help and emotional support for people going through court and into life beyond.

This all started as a Cornish initiative with the first hub in Bodmin in 2005, spreading into Devon to Plymouth (2006), and then Truro (2012), Newton Abbot (2018) and Exeter (2023). Much of the success is down to the 446 volunteers, recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2017.

The team hit another milestone in 2023 when the Ministry of Justice invited them into the family courts. Since then, over 400 people facing court alone and without access to Legal Aid and legal representation have been supported in family courts through one of the most stressful times of their lives.

The highlight of the day was when volunteer Kelly spoke movingly about her years separated from her children and in and out of prison – inspiration that it’s never too late to change. Out of respect, the event remained alcohol free.

Fast forward to 2025 and 31,120 people have received on-the-spot advice, with a further 13,130 gaining one-to-one support for the underlying reasons for being at court.

Find out more about this local charity at www.cassplus.org

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