Coroners Court Support Service
When people arrive at an inquest, they have often had minimal contact with the coroner’s office and know very little about the inquest process or what will happen on the day at court. Our volunteers provide an invaluable service by giving information regarding the role of the coroner and the inquest process, emotional and practical support and signposting to appropriate agencies for bereavement counselling and advice if required.
We noticed that as well as being concerned about the coronial process many of the families and witnesses we support have been waiting for the inquest day for some months which heightens their anxiety and adds to their distress. We decided three years ago with our volunteers to try and support anyone due to attend prior to the day of inquest or if anyone has questions about the coronial process (recent or historic) by setting up our telephone helpline, and more recently our local TSS (telephone support service) where local court volunteers will speak to families and witnesses due to attend the court which they provide support.
Our home based volunteers provide a beneficial service to bereaved families and witnesses between the hours of 9am to 7pm Weekdays and 10am to 2pm on a Saturday morning.
If you know of anyone who would benefit from our service, require support at court or have a general enquiry about the inquest process please refer them to our team via telephone on 0300 111 2141 or email helpline@ccss.org.uk and we will be happy to help.
