What is a McKenzie Friend?
A McKenzie Friend is a member of the public, without legal training, who assists an appellant when they have no legal representative, at a time that is often bewildering and full of anxiety. A McKenzie Friend is a volunteer, independent of the court system and the Home Office.
Our team of committed volunteers work with unrepresented asylum seekers to support them to access legal representation and to accompany asylum seekers to court hearings.
At no point are clients asked for any kind of financial contribution.
Referrals
To make a referral to McKenzie Friends, or if you have any other enquiries, please get in touch by phone or email:
mckenziefriends@beaconbradford.org
0330 113 7644 or 07531 576330
Get Involved
Please download and consider this role description before applying to become a McKenzie Friend.
Volunteers will attend a two day training session, an observation of a full asylum appeal hearing at Phoenix House and complete a period of shadowing at meetings. We currently have a wonderful team of volunteers from a variety of backgrounds and with a range of experience. Wherever possible it is our policy for volunteers to work in pairs. Please see our Volunteering page for further information and to download an application form.
More information on McKenzie Friends can be downloaded here.