We know that appearing in court can be stressful and confusing – for victims, defendants, witnesses, and for all of their families. 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 support is available for people who are given a community sentence.
  • What it means to be bailed or on remand and what support is available during this time. 
  • If your family member or loved one is sent to prison, where are they likely to have gone to and how can you 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 cope with the experience of becoming a ‘prisoner’s family’.

Our volunteers provide emotional support 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 find us in the following courts:

Central Criminal Court

Kingston Crown Court

Isleworth Crown Court

Snaresbrook Crown Court

Harrow Crown Court

Inner London Crown Court

Southwark Crown Court

Woolwich Crown Court

Blackfriars Crown Court

Croydon Crown Court

Wood Green Crown Court

Camberwell Magistrates Court

Highbury Magistrates Court

Westminster Magistrates Court

Thames Magistrates Court

Bromley Magistrates Court

Contact us

If you would like to find out more about our court service please contact us on 0207 735 9535 or email us on info@prisonadvice.org.uk