Citizens Advice Witness Service including Outreach support
We provide free and independent support for both prosecution and defence witnesses in every criminal court in England and Wales.
Our trained volunteers provide practical information about the process, as well as emotional support to help witnesses feel more confident when giving evidence.
You can get help from the Witness Service before, during and after the trial.
A Witness Service volunteer might be able to:
- come to your home or somewhere you feel comfortable to discuss your needs
- help you prepare for the trial and talk you through what will happen
- organise a visit to the court before the trial
- support you giving evidence on the day
- find you help after the trial if you want it, for example counselling
Opening times
- Monday:9am – 5pm
- Tuesday:9am – 5pm
- Wednesday:9am – 5pm
- Thursday:9am – 5pm
- Friday:9am – 5pm
- Saturday:Closed
- Sunday:Closed
- Availability:
- All Year
Eligibility
We provide free and independent support for both prosecution and defence witnesses in every criminal court in England and Wales
Referral
If you are a witness attending court, you can refer yourself, or an organisation can do so on your begalf by using our Witness Service referral form https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/going-to-court-as-a-witness1/get-help-and-support-being-a-witness/witness-referral/
Fill in the contact form or call 0300 332 1000 and someone will contact you within 2 working days. You can also ask the police, witness care officer or the lawyer who asked you to give evidence to refer you to the Witness Service.
Facilities and equipment
Witness Service support can be located at: Cambridge Crown Court, Cambridge Magistrates Court, Peterborough Magistrates Court, Peterborough Crown Court, Huntingdon Law Courts. There are designated Witness Service suites for use of witnesses and their supporters.
- Cost: Free
- Age range: 5 - 99+
Last updated on: 27/04/2020
Contact details
Helen Ruddock
Volunteer Development Team Leader
helen.ruddock@citizensadvice.org.uk
Tel: 07775414162
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/citizens-advice-witness-service/
Facilities and Accessibility
- Refreshments
- Wheelchair access
- Disabled toilets
- Toilet facilities