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communicourt.bsky.social
Communicourt
@communicourt.bsky.social
500 followers 310 following 190 posts
Provider of HMCTS Appointed Court Intermediaries across England and Wales. We support the effective participation of court users with communication needs in #legal proceedings. Learn more: www.communicourt.co.uk
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communicourt.bsky.social
Communicourt @communicourt.bsky.social · Apr 16
What does the new Court of Appeal judgment regarding intermediaries mean for Family Court users with communication needs? Read our highlights, reflections & action points: https://www.communicourt.co.uk/news/reaffirming-necessity-court-of-appeal-clarifies-test-for-intermediaries-communicourt-digest/
communicourt.bsky.social
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.
July 10, 2025 at 1:15 PM
communicourt.bsky.social
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
July 8, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Reposted by Communicourt
communicourtchris.bsky.social
#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
July 4, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Reposted by Communicourt
communicourtchris.bsky.social
A fantastic celebration of our amazing Legal Aid Lawyers! Congratulations to you all! 🥳 @lalyawards.bsky.social @communicourt.bsky.social #LALY25
July 4, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Reposted by Communicourt
communicourtchris.bsky.social
#LALY25 @lalyawards.bsky.social amazing people receiving much deserved recognition! 👏👏 @communicourt.bsky.social
July 4, 2025 at 7:16 PM
communicourt.bsky.social
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.
July 4, 2025 at 2:40 PM
communicourt.bsky.social
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: https://www.communicourt.co.uk/referral-booking-howto/testimonials/
June 30, 2025 at 1:03 PM
communicourt.bsky.social
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: http://bit.ly/3IhbJc8 #intermediary
Top: ILPA logo Below: A torn-looking extract from ILPA blog "Supporting Access to Justive in Immigration Tribunals: Identifying Communication Needs Beyond a Language Barrier". Extract has a photo of two women talking. Below: Quote from article: "Practical barriers to diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental condition [include] the cost of obtaining a diagnosis or the geographical availability of health services, as well as assessment tools not designed for people outside the ‘Cultural West’”
June 26, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Reposted by Communicourt
communicourt.bsky.social
"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
May 23, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Reposted by Communicourt
jessicapaynter.bsky.social
Nice summary on association between #DLD and #mentalhealth . Often assumed to only impact language, flow on effects are important to recognise, identify, and support. www.wpspublish.com/blog/develop...
How Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) Affects Mental Health: Real-Life Insights
Explore the lived experiences of children, teens, and adults with developmental language disorder (DLD) and learn how it impacts mental health, self-esteem, and daily life. Understand symptoms, coping...
www.wpspublish.com
June 15, 2025 at 10:43 PM
communicourt.bsky.social
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!
A square image, split in half. Left side: Dark blue background, featuring the London Legal Walk logo in yellow and white. Below, text reads "Join me on Tuesday 17t June. Paving the way for equal access to justice." Right side: An image from a previous London Legal Walk in central London. Walkers can be seen near a red double decker, in front of tall buildings. Behind the walkers is an inflatable yellow and white archway for the London Legal Walk.
June 16, 2025 at 8:51 AM
communicourt.bsky.social
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]
June 13, 2025 at 2:07 PM
communicourt.bsky.social
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
May 23, 2025 at 8:24 AM
communicourt.bsky.social
"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
May 23, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Reposted by Communicourt
lalyawards.bsky.social
.@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...
May 21, 2025 at 8:38 AM
communicourt.bsky.social
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. The Communicourt logo is at the bottom of the page. The texts reads... Title: Mental health and communication Subtitle: Mental Health Awareness Week 12-18 May 2025. 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.
May 16, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Reposted by Communicourt
cjinnovation.bsky.social
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
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'.
ow.ly
May 16, 2025 at 10:05 AM
communicourt.bsky.social
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.
May 12, 2025 at 11:02 PM
communicourt.bsky.social
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.
White text on orange background with Communicourt logo. Text reads: MOMENTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE Names & details changed. Melody, a mother in a private family matter, appeared highly anxious. She reported distress at the possibility her former partner would gain contact with their kids. In a conference with her lawyers, there were other topics to discuss but Melody was upset and focussed on whether her ex would get contact. It was hard for her to give clear instructions on other topics. White text on orange background with Communicourt logo. An outline of a flowchart is shown with pencils and a highligher. Text reads: MOMENTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE Melody’s level of anxiety also made it challenging for her to process and retain information. For example, that contact would remain the same for now, and no decisions would be made about contact until much later in proceedings. Maryam (the intermediary), created a visual aid, mapping out the proceedings, step-by-step. White text on orange background with Communicourt logo. Text reads: MOMENTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE Melody found it easier to ‘take in’ information in a visual format. Once she knew what to expect at each stage of proceedings, Melody was more able to take part in discussions about topics affecting an upcoming pre-hearing review. She was able to manage her emotions and could concentrate more on information provided by her lawyers. White text on orange background with Communicourt logo. Text reads: MOMENTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE Melody’s barrister used the visual aid to remind her that decisions about contact would be made much later in proceedings, assisting her to refocus on the topic at hand, when she became distracted. In this way, she was able to give clear instructions on other points. Afterwards, the barrister said the aid was very useful in reducing Melody’s anxiety and supporting her focus.
May 6, 2025 at 3:51 PM
communicourt.bsky.social
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.
courtwatchldn.bsky.social CourtWatch London @courtwatchldn.bsky.social · Apr 3
Recent observations have highlighted how difficult it can be for defendants to comply with bail conditions. A defendant was accused of shoplifting & breaching bail conditions by entering a shop outside of Sutton. He pleaded not guilty. Courtwatcher Jemma was observing ⬇️ 🧵
April 30, 2025 at 12:01 PM
communicourt.bsky.social
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: https://www.yorkshirelegalnews.co.uk/breaking-down-legal-language-inside-the-role-of-a-court-intermediary/
April 29, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Reposted by Communicourt
lalyawards.bsky.social
#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😘
April 23, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Reposted by Communicourt
familoo.pinktape.co.uk
Necessity is the mother of intermediaries
(And I am exceedingly pleased with this post title) www.pinktape.co.uk/cases/necess...
Necessity is the mother of intermediaries
Judgment was handed down this morning in Re M (A Child: Intermediaries) [2025] EWCA Civ 440. I had a small non-speaking part (for the FLBA). The judgment is a delightfully streamlined read and brin…
www.pinktape.co.uk
April 10, 2025 at 9:15 PM
communicourt.bsky.social
What does the new Court of Appeal judgment regarding intermediaries mean for Family Court users with communication needs? Read our highlights, reflections & action points: https://www.communicourt.co.uk/news/reaffirming-necessity-court-of-appeal-clarifies-test-for-intermediaries-communicourt-digest/
April 16, 2025 at 4:07 PM
communicourt.bsky.social
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 https://www.bailii.org/cgi-bin/format.cgi?doc=/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2025/440.html&query=(intermediary)
April 11, 2025 at 3:48 PM