The Personal Support Unit (PSU) & court-based volunteer support
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-27
What this service is
The Personal Support Unit (PSU) is Support Through Court's original in-court service: trained volunteers based inside court buildings who support litigants in person on the day — someone to sit with you, explain what's happening, help you organise papers, and be there before and after your hearing.
What happens on the day
- Arrive early and find the PSU office (in larger courts — ask at reception)
- A volunteer can talk through your hearing, check your bundle, and accompany you to the courtroom door
- They stay available after the hearing to help you understand the order and next steps
- They cannot give legal advice or speak for you in court
Where
PSU/Support Through Court offices operate in major courts (Royal Courts of Justice, Central Family Court, Cardiff, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool, Birmingham, Nottingham and others — see our individual pages). Where no office exists, the national helpline and online service cover you.
How to use it
- Walk in, or book via the national helpline 0300 081 0006
- Bring all your case papers
How it fits your family court case
Pair day-of-hearing support with our preparing-for-a-hearing guide — practical support plus preparation is the combination litigants in person say helps most.
Official links
- https://supportthroughcourt.org
This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with Support Through Court, HMCTS or gov.uk.
Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.