For cafes, coffee shops & cafe staff
The first coffee of the day. The conversation that follows. People sort their lives out in cafes.
People come in after school drop-off and they're holding it together. They come in after a phone call with a solicitor who quoted them something they can't afford. They come in with a friend to talk about a court date that's getting closer.
A leaflet on the counter. A post on your page. A word from a familiar face. That's how awareness spreads in a community — through the places people already trust.
Find a McKenzie FriendWhat is a McKenzie Friend?
A McKenzie Friend is someone who supports a person through family court — attending hearings, helping with paperwork, and making sure they are prepared and not alone. They are not a solicitor. They do not give legal advice. But they provide something that is often more immediately needed: a person who understands the process, knows what to expect, and will sit beside you in the room.
Most people who would benefit from a McKenzie Friend have never heard the term. They assume it is solicitor or nothing. It is not — and your cafe might be where that changes for someone.
What you can say or display
"Have you heard of McKenzie Friends? They can actually come to court with you — help you through all the paperwork, sit with you at the hearing. Not a solicitor so much cheaper. There's a directory at familycourtbridge.org if it's ever useful."
familycourtbridge.org/find-your-support — or pop a leaflet on the counter
A printed card on the table. A leaflet by the till. A pinned post on your Facebook page. Any of these work. People who need this information are not searching in the right places — but they are sitting in your cafe.
Share this on your Facebook page
☕ From us here at [cafe name].
We see a lot of life come through our door — and one thing we've been hearing more of lately is people going through divorce, separation, or family court without really knowing where to turn.
We want more people in our community to know about McKenzie Friends — people who can attend family court hearings with you, help you prepare and understand your paperwork, and make sure you're not going through it alone. They're not solicitors, but they know the process — and they cost a fraction of legal fees.
Find one at familycourtbridge.org/find-your-support 💙
If you know someone who needs this, please share it.
Adapt as you wish — just keep the link.
Why cafes are part of this
They are already sitting still
A cafe is one of the few places people pause. They're not rushing. They have a moment. A poster, a leaflet, a card on the table — they will read it.
The regular is the relationship
Your regulars are your community. The person who comes in every morning is going through something you see written on their face. You are part of their day.
Cafes are where people meet to deal with things
People meet their friend to talk about their divorce. They sit in a corner with their phone and search for answers. They come in after a hearing. You are already in the middle of it.
Bridge the Gap — Further Reading