For pharmacists & pharmacy staff
You hand over more than medication. Sometimes you hand over hope.
People come to your counter when they are struggling. They are collecting a prescription for stress, or anxiety, or something they haven't named yet. Sometimes they tell you why. Sometimes you can see it without being told.
A lot of those people are going through divorce or separation and believe they cannot afford any legal help. They are wrong — and you might be the person who tells them that.
Find a McKenzie FriendWhat is a McKenzie Friend?
A McKenzie Friend is someone who supports a person through family court proceedings — attending hearings, helping with paperwork, and ensuring they are prepared. They are not a solicitor and do not give legal advice, but they provide crucial practical and emotional support to people who would otherwise be entirely alone in the process.
The majority of people going through divorce or separation do not know McKenzie Friends exist. They assume their choice is between an expensive solicitor and nothing. This gap in awareness has real consequences — for their cases, their finances, and their wellbeing.
A leaflet by your counter. A poster in your dispensary. A word at the right moment. These things reach people that legal services never do.
What you can say or display
"If you're going through a divorce or separation and feeling overwhelmed about court — there are people called McKenzie Friends who can go with you and help you through it. A lot less expensive than a solicitor. You can find one online."
familycourtbridge.org/find-your-support
You are not giving legal advice. You are sharing information — the same way you might mention a support group or a helpline. It is entirely appropriate, and it could make a significant difference to someone who is at the counter because they do not know where else to go.
Share this on your pharmacy's Facebook page
💊 From us at [pharmacy name].
We see a lot of people who are going through difficult times — and one of the things we want more people to know about is something called a McKenzie Friend.
If you're facing a family court hearing — about divorce, finances, or children — and you feel like you can't afford proper support, a McKenzie Friend can attend hearings with you, help you understand your paperwork, and make sure you're not facing it alone. They are not a solicitor, but they know the process and they cost a fraction of the price.
Find one at familycourtbridge.org/find-your-support 💙
Please share this — it might reach exactly the right person.
Adapt as you wish — just keep the link.
Why pharmacies matter in this
You are trusted
People trust their pharmacist. That trust extends beyond the prescription — and you know it.
You notice
You see the same faces every month. You notice when something has changed. That awareness matters.
You are accessible
No appointment needed. A pharmacy is where people go when they don't know where else to turn.
Bridge the Gap — Further Reading