A NEW service to help those attending inquests is being launched on Teesside.
The move is the latest step in a major overhaul of the local Coroner’s Service, and volunteers are being sought to help out.
National charity the Coroners’ Court Support Service is set to launch on Teesside, offering invaluable support to family members and witnesses involved in inquest hearings.
Significant progress has been made to modernise the local service over the last year, with a major backlog of cases cleared and an average completion time now among the best in the country.
The new service will build on that success, providing support during hearings, as well as talking people through the inquest process and arranging visits to the court in advance.
CCSS Volunteer Co-ordinator Samantha Catt will run the new service, answering to the charity’s London head office.
“Inquests can be quite a harrowing process, especially for those dealing with the loss of a close family member or loved one,” she said.
“The process can be bewildering, particularly if people don’t know what to expect, and that’s where our volunteers are able to help them understand how the system works and what they need to do.
“But it’s not for everyone, so rather than throw volunteers in at the deep end, we invite people to come in to observe and find out if it is actually for them.”
Those who go on to volunteer will be given a local three-day training course in early October and will be asked to commit a minimum of two days a month with reasonable travel expenses reimbursed for travel to and from court.
Acting Senior Coroner for Teesside Clare Bailey said: “The CCSS provides an invaluable service for both the bereaved and witnesses at a time when they really need support.
“The service is being established in a number of Coroner’s Courts around the country and I am delighted that they will soon be establishing a presence in Teesside.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “A huge amount has been achieved by the Teesside Coroner’s Service over the last 18 months, and we remain committed to giving people the best possible service.
“The CCSS looks after all those involved in the inquest process from family members to the professionals who give evidence.
“In short they are there to offer support to anyone who needs it in the course of the hearing, so I think it is a real coup for Teesside to have the CCSS delivering their invaluable service here.”
For more information on the service visit coronerscourtssupportservice.org.uk
Anyone who would like to volunteer should e-mail info@ccsupport.org.uk or call Samantha on 07496 613 632.