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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

Our quarterly Communicourt team days are always full of learning, connection and celebration of achievements. At each event we hold the LOVE Awards - recognising colleagues who have gone above and beyond in exemplifying our values of Collaboration, Innovation, Courage, Respect and Diversity.

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

Thank you, @lalyawards.bsky.social, it was a real pleasure to sponsor this year's awards. We heard so many inspiring stories, and loved connecting with so many solicitors and barristers with a real passion for ensuring the meaningful, effective participation of their clients. @wearelapg.bsky.social

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Chris Horrocks @communicourtchris.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

#LALY25 An outstanding person and a game changing silk, making a difference to so many vulnerable asylum seekers' lives @lalyawards.bsky.social #stephanieharrisonKC @gardencourtlaw.bsky.social @communicourt.bsky.social

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Chris Horrocks @communicourtchris.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

A fantastic celebration of our amazing Legal Aid Lawyers! Congratulations to you all! 🥳 @lalyawards.bsky.social @communicourt.bsky.social #LALY25

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Chris Horrocks @communicourtchris.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

#LALY25 @lalyawards.bsky.social amazing people receiving much deserved recognition! 👏👏 @communicourt.bsky.social

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

The Communicourt team are getting their glad rags on ahead of the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards #LALY25 this evening. We're really proud to be sponsoring this event, which celebrates some of the most exceptional, socially-minded legal practitioners in practice.

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 30/06/2025

We were delighted to read about the person-centred, multi-modal approach our intermediary used to ensure this court user could participate effectively in proceedings. Read more feedback from barristers judges & service users here: www.communicourt.co.uk/referral-boo…

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

We're published on the @ilpaimmigration.bsky.social ‬today, exploring the importance of - and barriers to - timely identification of communication differences and difficulties in #immigration matters: bit.ly/3IhbJc8 #intermediary

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

"I wanted to say a quick thank you to an amazing solicitor who I worked with in a conference recently...". In honour of #LALY25, we asked Communicourt intermediaries what they -really-think about the Legal Aid practitioners they've worked alongside. Here's what they told us... @wearelapg.bsky.social

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

Delighted to be joining the #LondonLegalWalk2025 tomorrow, to help raise money for free legal advice charities. Donate here: londonlegalsupporttrust.org.uk/donate-today/. Pick the brains of @communicourtchris.bsky.social and Sue Mahay about the role of intermediaries in #AccessToJustice en route!

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

In this month's Moment that Made a Difference, Angela* (intermediary) worked with Claire (a mother in care proceedings). Although Claire did not have capacity in the case, it remained vital that she could participate as effectively as possible, and give her views. [*names and details changed]

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

Huge congratulations to all of the incredible Legal Aid Lawyers who have just been announced as finalists at the #LALY25 Awards. But what do intermediaries -really- think about the Legal Aid solicitors and barristers they work alongside? Here's what they had to say... @wearelapg.bsky.social

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

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Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards @lalyawards.bsky.social · 21/05/2025

.@WeAreLAPG is proud to announce 📢 the 30 finalists in this year's Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards. For an insight into the doggedness 🐶& brilliance 🌟of lawyers at the social justice coalface, look no further than our #LALY25 shortlist....... lapg.co.uk/lapg-announc...

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and we’ve been thinking about the relationship between mental health and communication.

Green background with a line drawing of two hemispheres of a brain. One half of the brain is made up of complicated scribbles. T
Title: The intersection
Text: Communication and mental health can both have significant impacts on how someone participates in daily life.
They often occur together. People with a primary communication difficulty are at greater risk of a secondary mental health disorder.
So, how do these difficulties intersect, and how might that affect people in legal proceedings?

Cream background with two speech bubbles in green and yellow.
Title: Communication impacts on mental health
Text: Communication difficulties (e.g. aphasia, autism, learning disabilities) can impact mental health, anxiety or depression are common.
Communication differences can result in isolation from social opportunities
There can be barriers to accessing treatments that rely on verbal communication (e.g. talking therapies)
It can be more difficult to understand one's own mental health.

Cream background with two brain hemispheres in green and yellow.
Title: Mental health impacts on communication
Text: Mental health conditions can affect communication, causing difficulties with concentration, fatigue or excess energy, processing information, organising thoughts, expressing ourselves, impulsivity, recognising social cues.
Mental health problems can also affect general wellbeing, with consequences for communication. E.g. poor sleep or hydration can impede cognition and focus.

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Centre for Justice Innovation @cjinnovation.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

Next week we launch our new research with @centreforcare.bsky.social on reducing the risk of CJS involvement for children in contact with the care system. Sign up to hear from Anna Leyland, senior researcher, Caroline Adams, @CollegeofPolice & Charlene Richardson, Safer Options. ow.ly/LOoX50VTLzn

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Reducing the criminalisation of children in contact with the care system

The launch of 'Joining the dots: Reducing the risk of criminal justice involvement for children in contact with the social care system'.

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Legal proceedings often involve large amounts of written material - from initial documents to evidence and orders. For some, accessing and understanding this information can be challenging. Small changes in how we share information can make a big difference to participation and access to justice.

Title of this post is: Literacy Difficulties and Legal Proceedings - Five ways to support a client to access written information.

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

This month's 'Moment That Made a Difference' addressed the impacts emotional dysregulation can have on an individual's ability to direct their attention, take in information and engage in effective communication - skills vital to effective participation in legal conferences and giving instructions.

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

A great illustration of how inaccessible communication around bail conditions can be (whether due to communication needs or reduced access to technology) - and how important it is to check understanding directly.

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Thanks to @yorkshirelegalnews.bsky.social for this Q&A with intermediary (and Yorkshire local!) Tegan, unpacking her role & what she wishes legal professionals knew about communication needs: www.yorkshirelegalnews.co.uk/breaki…

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Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards @lalyawards.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

#LALY25 nominations are CLOSED⛔! Thank you to all the wonderful folk who submitted entries which our judges are v much looking forward to reading. Finalists announced mid-May, so watch this space 👁️ Winners announced at our🌟glittering🌟 ceremony on 4 July - put that date in your calendars now😘

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

What does the new Court of Appeal judgment regarding intermediaries mean for Family Court users with communication needs? Read our highlights, reflections & action points: www.communicourt.co.uk/news/reaffir…

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

After overturning a decision to refuse intermediary assistance for a mother in care proceedings, the full Court of Appeal judgment in Re M (A Child Intermediaries) 2025 EWCA Civ 440 has been published www.bailii.org/cgi-bin/format.cgi?d…

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Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards @lalyawards.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

'Time to nominate your legal aid heroes for this uniquely inspiring event' #LALY25 organisers @wearelapg.bsky.social Chris Minnoch @fionabawdon.bsky.social in April's @legalactiongroup.bsky.social magazine on why - 23 years on - the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards have *finally* come of age.....

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

Caroline made an impact in supporting a service user experiencing anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and challenges with concentration. These factors were affecting her ability to follow the flow of proceedings.

Caroline* assisted a service user, Joanna, who was experiencing some difficulties following the flow of court proceedings. During evidence Joanna would often often come back to the same topics, despite already talking about this.

She would often request the same question to be put to the witness multiple times, despite already informing her barrister. This impacted her ability to observe and process ongoing evidence.

Caroline created a WhatsApp chat where she could note down all the questions and comments the service user had. When it was time for the barrister to ask questions, Caroline would send the questions, where the barrister would put them to the witness.

If Joanne became anxious or repeated a question, Caroline reassured her by pointing to the questions in the chat, reminding her that the barrister would ask it. Sometimes, the service user would even check the chat herself for reassurance.

This strategy helped reduce anxiety, allowed Joanna to stay focused on the hearing, and gave her the space to think of more relevant questions as the session progressed.

With clear communication and support, Joanna was able to grasp the positions of all parties and reflect on their statements. This made a significant difference in the quality of her evidence later in the week.

She was able to work with her barrister to ask relevant questions, stay focused on the key issues, and engage meaningfully with the process

Her barrister praised the approach, highlighting how it helped the service user stay calm, focused, and confident in her participation. Ultimately, this strategy led to a smoother process and better outcomes for everyone involved.

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Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

⚠️Have you listened to our new podcast episode yet? Hosts @penelopegibbs.bsky.social and Rob Allen are joined by David Breakspear and @oxonadvisory.com to explore the relationship between neurodivergence and the criminal justice system. ➡️ Listen now! pod.fo/e/2c2982

Transform Justice Podcast

David Breakspear
- ADHD Liberty ambassador
Stan Gilmour
- Professor of Practice

Episode 45 ->
Impulsive acts: ADHD, brain injury and the criminal justice system.

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

(1/6) 17 days to go! Don't miss the opportunity to nominate a Legal Aid Lawyer for the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards @lalyawards.bsky.social : lapg.co.uk/lalys/laly-nomination (keep reading thread for compliments!)...⬇️ #LALY25

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

We are extremely grateful to Julie Doughty and @seethrujustice.transparencyproject.org.uk for their coverage of this hearing, and we're very pleased that the mother in this case will now recieve the assistance required to effectively participate in complex proceedings, after this successful appeal.

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

For those interested, this hearing is ongoing and available to watch live here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qeW...

youtube.com

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The Transparency Project @seethrujustice.transparencyproject.org.uk · 18/03/2025

We are observing Court of Appeal livestream an appeal against a family court decision not to allow a mother to have an intermediary to assist her in care proceedings. Unfortunately the court mics don't seem to be working very well!

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

(1/6) Each quarter, we attend a Saturday Team Day, focussed on learning, connecting with colleagues and marking achievements. At each event we celebrate the LOVE Awards - recognising colleagues who live our values through their work.

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

✨Happy Neurodiversity Celebration Week #NDCW25 to all who celebrate!✨ (1/3) Continual learning about neurodivergence is vital both to the work our intermediaries do in legal settings, and to our culture as a team.

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Ramandeep Kaur @mumof3amigos.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

March 21st is World Down’s syndrome Day. This year, the message is a really important one and I fully support this message. #DownSyndrome

A poster from the Down’s syndrome association celebrating World Down’s syndrome day on March 21st. In the centre is a circle of green and blue coloured handprints and the words in the centre read choice, control, dignity. There is also a hashtag which reads ‘improve our support systems’.

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

Our team of intermediaries work alongside so many outstanding legal aid lawyers, so it's a real pleasure to be sponsoring #LALY25. Make your nominations by 22nd April to avoid Spike's disappointment!

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

The last of our posts this #InternationalWomensDay, intermediary Becky shares her experience of working in an organisation where women are highly represented in leadership roles. #IWD doesn't end here, view events taking place throughout March at: www.internationalwomensday.com/Even…

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

Turning to another of our female department leads this International Womens Day - Lucy is our lead practitioner and our longest serving intermediary at Communicourt. #IWD www.internationalwomensday.com

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

Next up, our #InternationalWomensDay spotlight turns to Sue, who leads our Client Relationship Team. Looking for ways for participate this IWD? Visit www.internationalwomensday.com/Even… to view events taking place in your area throughout the month of March.

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

First up, Tegan from our intermediary team shares her thoughts on working in a majority female organisation this #InternationalWomensDay #IWD www.internationalwomensday.com

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

(1/2) Happy International Women's Day! This event is special to Communicourt. 95% of us identify as women. Throughout the day, we'll spotlight some of our amazing colleagues and their experiences of working within a majority female organisation. Stay tuned for more from Sue, Lucy, Tegan & Becky!

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

We are thrilled to announce we will be sponsoring the Criminal Defence category at this year's LALY Awards 2025! Nominations are now open and can be made at lapg.co.uk/lalys/laly-nomination. Submissions will be accepted until the closing date of 22nd of April. #LALY25

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

(1/5) Complex legal concepts can take time and extra support to understand, particularly when a court user has communication needs. [Alt text available on each image in thread]

June* was assisting a father, Ade, in a Family matter. He had a learning disability. The pace and complexity of proceedings were barriers to his effective participation. He needed extra time and support to understand legal concepts.

At an important hearing, the judge raised the possibility of a “Lives With Order”. The judge wanted to know Ade’s position on this option.

*Names and details have been changed

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

💬"It was quiet then talking, quiet then talking, quiet then listening"💬 - The words of a 13yo defendant show the interplay of stress and communication at court, in our new expert webinar 'Children, Sentencing & Communication' now on The Access Brief www.communicourt.co.uk/the-access-b…

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

Communicourt's lead practitioner Lucy Osmond joined the Today's Family Lawyer podcast to share her insights into how communication impacts participation in family proceedings, the importance of tailored support, and the varied and often hidden role of an intermediary. www.podbean.com/ew/dir-idv4c...

podbean.com

The important role of intermediaries in court proceedings

In the latest Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast host David Opie discusses the role of intermediaries in the justice system with Lucy Osmond, Lead Practitioner at Communicourt.With over a decade of experie...

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 10/02/2025

NEW WEBINAR: Understanding a young person's communication needs is a crucial part of ensuring sentences are delivered in the most accessible manner for them. However, it's very important to be aware of the high level of underdiagnosis among young people involved in the justice system...

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

(1/6) In this month's Moment that Made a Difference, Jamal* (an intermediary) assisted Craig, a father involved in care proceedings. *names and details have been changed.

Jamal assisted Craig, a father who is autistic and has ADHD, during care proceedings. The Judge had decided that adoption was the right option for Craig’s children.
The judge needed to decide whether to order post-adoption contact, or to encourage contact without making an order. It was important to Craig to give his view. However, he had difficulty understanding the difference.

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The Transparency Project @seethrujustice.transparencyproject.org.uk · 27/01/2025

New practice guidance ‘The use of Intermediaries, Lay Advocates and Cognitive Assessments in the Family Court’, was issued by the President of the Family Division on 23 January. The guidance is quite brief and refers to three court judgments... transparencyproject.org.uk/?p=29269

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Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

(1/2) NEW WEBINAR: Clear, effective communication of sentence is not only a legal requirement, it stands to improve outcomes in the Criminal Justice System, and particularly in cases involving children. ⬇️

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