Jurors on the most traumatic cases will be better supported than
ever with access to round-the-clock help and free counselling
sessions.
In a new pilot launched earlier this month, jurors in
14 Crown Courts across the country will be able to
self-refer themselves for six free counselling sessions with
specially trained counsellors, as well as access a 24/7 helpline
for support, advice and information.
Crown Courts from across the country taking part in the test
scheme include The Old Bailey in London, Liverpool,
Birmingham, Bristol and Teesside. These courts hear some of the
country's most serious cases – including the trial of Ian Huntley
at The Old Bailey and the recent trial of Piran Ditta Khan,
convicted of the murder of PC Sharon Beshenivsky, at Leeds Crown
Court.
The justice system depends on the public joining a jury when they
are called, and today's news will provide further reassurance
that those who hear distressing evidence such as murder, abuse
and cruelty will get the support they need, when they need it.
Justice Minister said:
“Jury service is an essential part of criminal justice which
underpins the impartiality and fairness that runs through our
legal system.
“Offering free emotional and mental support is a significant step
forward to help jurors performing a vital public service who have
heard distressing and traumatic evidence in often demanding, long
and high-profile cases.”
While many people find their experience of jury service to be
fulfilling, some can experience significant distress after
hearing traumatic evidence. Court staff are always on hand to
support during the trial, but until now, any further help was
limited to being signposted to a GP, the 111 telephone line for
mental health crisis support, or the Samaritans.
The pilot is funded by the Ministry of Justice, provided by Vita
Health Group (VHG), and will run for approximately six
months. During that time the Government will identify how best to
direct resources on an ongoing basis to support the jurors who
give their time to serve the criminal justice system.
Notes to editors:
- Leaflets will be made available to all jurors in the pilot
courts once they have finished a trial. At this point, jurors
will have the opportunity to self-refer to VHG should they feel
they need the support of a bespoke counselling service as a
direct result of their jury service.
- The programme is expected to be rolled out in Mold Crown
Court in Wales in the coming months.
- Full list of regions and crown courts taking part in the
pilot:
-
- Yorkshire: Leeds
- North-East: Teesside
- North-West: Liverpool, Carlisle
- South East: Oxford, Luton
- South-West: Winchester, Bristol, Gloucester
- Midlands: Nottingham, Birmingham
- London: Central Criminal Court, Snaresbrook, Kingston
Upon Thames
