We know that appearing in court can be stressful and confusing – for victims, defendants, witnesses and for all of their families and friends. Pact's volunteers are based in many courts in London and offer support to defendant's families during the court process. 

We can provide useful, practical information such as:

  • What it means to be bailed or to be on remand, and what support is available during this time. 
  • What support is available for those who are given a community sentence.
  • If your family member or loved one is sent to prison, where they are likely to have gone and how you can contact the prison.
  • How sentences are calculated and what some of the terminology used in courts means. Click here to find out more about sentencing.
  • How to book a visit or send in property.
  • What services are available at the prison for families and who to contact.
  • How to support children who may have witnessed the arrest, and whose parent or sibling has been taken away to prison.
  • How to get support in the community to help in coping with the experience of becoming a ‘prisoner’s family’.

Our volunteers provide both practical and emotional support / advice throughout the court process, taking time to talk to families before their loved one appears in court, sitting with them through the hearing, trial or sentence and providing support afterwards.

If you would like to find out more about sentencing, prison, release and the support available, please visit our 'your questions answered' section here.

Where you can find us

You can currently find us in the following courts:

Crown Courts 

  • Blackfriars 
  • Central Criminal Court (The Old Bailey)
  • Kingston   
  • Snaresbrook
  • Southwark 
  • Wood Green 

Magistrates Courts 

  • Camberwell Green
  • Highbury Corner

Contact us

If you would like to find out more about our court service, please contact us on: 020 7735 9535 or email us at: [email protected]

Information for parents facing sentencing 

Are you or your loved one worried about sentencing and what it means for your children? Watch this helpful video by Dr Shona Minson which has helpful tips to prepare you for sentencing, tells you what to expect and your rights, and provides a checklist of things parents should tell the court about their children.