Local charity turns 20

On 16th October, employees, volunteers, supporters and past clients of local charity CASS+ gathered to mark their 20th anniversary. CASS+ gives free, confidential help and emotional support for people going through court and into life beyond.

20 years ago, the Chief of Devon and Cornwall Probation spotted a real opportunity. She decided that people could make a fresh start if they were offered a lifeline at court. As a result, Mary Anne McFarlane set up the first in-court hub in Cornwall, with free, confidential, practical advice and emotional support for people going through the justice system.

The Bodmin hub opened in 2005, swiftly followed by Plymouth, and then Truro (2012), Newton Abbot (2018) and Exeter (2023). The service went from strength to strength when Mary Anne put her trust in local volunteer, Carole Edwards. Together, they realised that reoffending could be addressed when people were supported to address the underlying reasons for being in court. They also understood the need to make our neighbourhoods safer.

Fast forward to 2025 and more than 31,000 people have received quick advice in the court waiting areas, with a further 13,120 people getting in-depth, one-to-one support at court and into life beyond. Through the years, there have been around 10,000 referrals to 593 specialist local services. Someone driving under the influence is signposted for specialist counselling; a struggling mother is helped with her benefit forms; and a man in debt gets a repayment plan before the bailiff steps in.

None of this success would have been be possible without the 446 volunteers who have given their time to the charity, recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2017. Many of these volunteers have gone on to successful careers in business, social work, law, probation, and the police.

The Exeter hub inside Exeter Crown and County Court is now firmly established with two employees and six volunteers. Both Exeter and Newton Abbot hubs are thriving with a steady flow of support offered throughout the week.

This growth is also down to the passion and determination of three employees. They are the driving force of this local charity, now with 14 paid employees and 30 volunteers inside five courts across Devon and Cornwall.

In 2023, CASS+ hit another major milestone when the team was invited into the family courts. In just two years, over 400 people facing court alone and without access to Legal Aid and legal representation have been supported through one of the most stressful times of their lives through family court.

This is what happens when people believe in the possibility of change. I’m looking forward to working with everyone to ensure more life-changing opportunities for the people who come to us for help. We are so thankful to all our supporters for making this happen.

Steve Parker, CEO

Find out more about this local charity here.