A CHARITY which helps support people going through the court system in south Devon is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Volunteers, supporters and past clients of the organisation CASS+, which operates at Newton Abbot court among others, gathered to mark the occasion.

The charity gives free, confidential help and support to anyone going through the court process.

It started 20 years ago when the head of Devon and Cornwall Probation decided 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 in 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 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.

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.

Newton Abbot hub is thriving with a steady flow of support offered throughout the week.

This growth is also down to the passion and determination of three employees who are the driving force of this local charity, which now has 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, more than 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.

Steve Parker, CEO, said: ‘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.’

The charity is independent of the court system and operates inside courts.

A spokesman added: ‘Since 2005, we have decreased demand on the justice system and other services by working with magistrates, solicitors, police, probation, judges, CPS, ushers, court cells, social services, charities, and agencies to guide people towards a more positive future.

'We believe with the right emotional and practical life-changing opportunities and support, anyone can reach their potential, resulting in safer communities where everyone can thrive.’