Whitley Bay magistrate urges more disabled people to volunteer
This International Volunteer Day, a Whitley Bay man is calling for more people with disabilities to volunteer as magistrates.
New research published 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.
Alaric Pritchard, 54, from Whitley Bay, has been a magistrate for four years and works as a management consultant, and is also an Academic in Practice with the Open University.
Alaric is disabled as a result of a degenerative disease he was born with and has prosthetic legs. He sits primarily in Newcastle, Bedlington and North Tyneside and is calling for others with disabilities to join him.
He said: "Most people are surprised to learn this is a volunteer role – but that's what makes it so special. Anyone can step up and make a real difference in their local community.
"I’d like to see more disabled people consider volunteering as magistrates. I understand the challenges as much as anyone, and people’s disabilities can be wide ranging, but I have to be the change I want to see.
“It would be good to have more people with disabilities volunteer so the magistracy is more representative.
“I enjoy making a contribution and doing a job that needs to be done. You deal with all kinds of cases – it's fascinating and a privilege to have an insight into people’s lives, and making decisions that help and protect the public.
“You’re not always sending people to prison. It can be just as important to make sure they’re getting the support they need, but you can effect change in your local community.”
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 single day. No qualifications, legal knowledge, or experience is needed to become a magistrate.
To find out more or to register your interest, visit icanbeamagistrate.co.uk.