McKenzie Friend
What is a McKenzie Friend?
When someone is involved in a civil legal case involving their children and they do not have a solicitor or barrister, they are entitled to have assistance in court. This is called a McKenzie friend. Our Time To Change McKenzie friend scheme offers free support and guidance for women in West Cumbria who are going through family court or have children’s service involvement funded by Sellafield Transforming Families Fund via Cumbria Community Foundation.
What makes our McKenzie Friend different?
One of the main things our McKenzie friend does which is different to a solicitor is the offer of emotional support. You may just need to chat things through with someone who will listen and can offer advice where appropriate. We can also advise if there are other support services which may be of help, either through Women Out West or externally.
Our McKenzie Friend is a Registered Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA), though they cannot act as your IDVA in this role, they have knowledge and experience working with survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and can refer or signpost you to other services.
“My McKenzie friend has been brilliant helping me to understand what to expect and what I needed to do in preparation for court, in a short space of time she managed to do this, she also made me feel less nervous and supported. I am very grateful she was able to be there and all the help.”
What can Mckenzie friend do to help you in Family court?
- Be shown the court papers, help you understand them and explain what you need to do
- Help you write and type up statements and prepare for hearings
- Sit next to you during the court hearing and take notes of what is said
- Provide moral support
What can Mckenzie friend not do in family court?
- We can’t speak in court or contact the court on your behalf
- We can’t manage your case in or out of court
- We can’t act as your agent in the case/represent you
- We can’t give legal advice
Children’s Services are involved, how can the McKenzie Friend help?
- Attend meetings with you and take notes
- Offer emotional support and advice through the process
- Talk to social workers and other external agencies on your behalf
- Support you to make a request or complaint
caring and kind support
McKenzie friend Stories
“My McKenzie friend has been very understanding and very supportive when I was desperately in need of it. I had major anxiety about attending court and through this I have also probably been a little bit difficult too, however she constantly reassured me and reminded me to stay calm and her just being present generally helped me so I didn’t feel so alone in a very daunting and challenging situation. Not sure I would of handled the situation as well as I did without her present and I’m beyond grateful for help.”
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Ways to support us
Time to Change wouldn’t be where it is today without the support of our local community, local businesses or local people. Their donated money, time, support and kindness has enabled us to build on the success of our Mckenzie Friends project that it has been and continues to be. But we can’t stop there. We need your help to continue the vital work we do to care for those most in need. There are a number of ways you can get involved, from donating regularly, fundraising for us, volunteering with us and lending your voice to our campaigns. Every penny raised and every minute donated goes directly back into helping those who need us in West Cumbria.
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