· Carol Trigg, 68, still sits in court with the help of her guide dog
· She shares her story to call for more people to volunteer as magistrates across the country
· This International Volunteer Day (5 December), new research shows almost one in two people interested in volunteering
There can be few more terrifying prospects than waking up one day unable to see. That is what happened to Carol Trigg, from Lichfield, who suddenly lost her sight overnight in 2012.
But the ordeal has not stopped this remarkable woman – who has run her own business for nearly 50 years and once appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show – from continuing her volunteering journey as a magistrate.
She still regularly takes four trains and four taxis to attend court with her guide dog Norma and help deliver justice – as she has for the last 21 years since becoming a magistrate in 2004.
Carol, who has also volunteered with St John Ambulance since 1968, said:
“I woke up one Sunday morning and said to my husband, ‘I can’t see.’ It was horrendous, and I hit rock bottom. My daughter was taking her A levels, so it was a scary time for us all. But I think everything is doable. You just have to put your trust into people around you – they want to help you progress and move forward.
“With the support of HMCTS staff in the court, I’ve had to adapt how I carry out being a magistrate since losing my sight, but it is the most inspiring voluntary work you can do. The courtroom keeps my brain alive. It’s given me a completely different outlook. I get home and think: yes, I’ve done something today, I’ve made that difference.”
Now Carol is calling on more volunteers to join 14,600 magistrates already delivering justice in communities across England and Wales.
This International Volunteers Day (5 December), new research shows 45% of adults in England and Wales would consider volunteering in the next 12 months, with ‘Making a difference to others and the local community’ and ‘Meeting new people or being part of a team’ given as the main reasons for choosing a volunteering opportunity. While over half (57%) of the general public think that volunteering in their local community is important. For those already volunteering, 81% say it helped them learn new skills and 80% would recommend volunteering to others.
Magistrates hear criminal and family court cases in their local area, playing a crucial role in cutting court backlogs and keeping the public safe. Magistrates’ courts handle over 90% of criminal cases in England and Wales, alongside vital family work that changes lives every day.
No qualifications or legal experience are needed – full training and support are provided. Volunteers must be aged 18 or over and commit to at least five years’ service.
To find out more or register your interest, visit ICanBeAMagistrate.co.uk
