STUDENTS at Worcester Sixth Form College have created a set of visual aids to help vulnerable people in the justice system.
Around 30 students at the college took part in the project to develop images bringing to life what a court looks like for those experiencing it for the first time.
The work of five of the A-Level graphic design students, Erin Biles, Veronika Piasetska, Rhiannon Lewis, Katie Kerrod and Hayden Lawrence-Bury, will now be used by TIC intermediaries with vulnerable defendants, across England and Wales to help them understand the court room layout and what to expect.
The college was partnering with The Intermediary Cooperative, one of the leading providers of intermediary services in the UK. Intermediaries are experienced communication professionals who help to ensure fair access to justice for vulnerable people.
Jo Rowland, a TIC intermediary, led the project along with Joe Black Ardy, the college’s Head of Department: Art & Design, and Kay Mullett, a graphic design teacher.
Jo said: “It was fantastic to work with the students at the college. The brief was to create a clear, easy to understand diagram of a courtroom including key features and courtroom workers with explanations.
“It can be a daunting experience for vulnerable people attending court for the first time, so the intention of the project was to create visual aids that can help them understand what to expect and reduce anxiety, enabling them to participate more effectively.
“Having put together a brief with Joe, the students then got to work from January this year, from which we whittled it down to five designs which have now been finalised and are ready to be promoted to our intermediaries, future trainee intermediaries and within the wider justice system.
“It is one of several projects we are working on at The Intermediary Cooperative which fit with our social values and commitment to give back to the communities we serve.”
