Students from Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield will be trained to help court users understand procedures and navigate the legal system.

The initiative responds to a rise in litigants in person, partly attributed to changes introduced by the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012. Since the legislation took effect in 2013, legal aid has not been available for civil matters including private family law.

Dr Goldie Millan, supervising solicitor and senior lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “The Sheffield Court Help Desk aims to provide a welcoming point of assistance and guidance, helping court users feel more informed and better prepared.”

Students will be trained to act as McKenzie friends, helping litigants understand court documentation and procedures. The help desk will not provide legal advice but will offer free assistance to those representing themselves, including people who do not qualify for legal aid.

Law student Sarah Faraj, 20, who has trained as a McKenzie friend, said: “Not everyone who goes to court has an idea about how it works and what they might expect. So we can help them understand that.”

She added: “We also have to recognise that visiting court is a really emotional experience, and we actively listen and show empathy.”

A Law Society spokesperson welcomed pro bono work and law school initiatives but warned: “But pro bono is no substitute for a properly funded legal aid system, which supports us in times of need.”

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said the government had spent £854 million on family legal aid last year. The spokesperson added that Sheffield had twelve family and three housing legal aid providers, but acknowledged that more needed to be done to ensure people could access support.