For World Mental Health Day 2024, the solicitor’s charity is shining a spotlight on the importance of connection and support within the legal profession.
The charity said ahead of the nationwide awareness day ‘we recognise that the challenges solicitors face can sometimes feel overwhelming. But, you don’t have to navigate tough times alone; we’re here to help’.
Over the past year, The Solicitor’s Charity say that they have seen a significant increase in referrals that ‘reveal a growing need for comprehensive wellbeing support among solicitors, former solicitors, and their dependants’.
The organisation revealed they have referred twice the number of people for individual mental health support so far this year, compared to 2023.
‘Whether you’re grappling with anxiety, depression, or simply the stress of everyday life, it’s crucial to know that help is available,’ the charity said ,’Our dedicated Case Managers are ready to listen and provide guidance tailored to your unique situation.’
The Solicitor’s Charity has forged ‘valuable’ partnerships with other legal support organisations such as LawCare, Lawsight, and OneBright, enhancing the portfolio of mental health resources available to those within the legal profession.
- LawCare offers confidential support specifically designed for legal professionals. Their trained staff, who understand the pressures of the law (client-side and in-house), provide a safe space to discuss your feelings without judgement. Last year, many solicitors discovered the comfort of knowing they weren’t alone in their struggles, with over 300 helped.
- OneBright complements the mission of The Solicitor’s Charity by providing access to mental health assessments and specialised treatment sessions, ensuring you receive the care you need when you need it most.
- Lawsight have experienced psychotherapists, with an insight into the pressures of working in the law, to ensure that solicitors have access to knowledgeable and empathetic support.
The charity concluded: “As we come together on this special day, let’s prioritise mental wellbeing and open the dialogue about our challenges.
“We are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of solicitors across England and Wales, and together, we can create a culture of support. If you’re a solicitor in need of extra help, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to listen, support, and guide you towards a brighter path. “
The Solicitors’ Charity provides comprehensive support to improve the wellbeing of solicitors, helping them to overcome life’s challenges.
People approach the charity for help for all sorts of reasons – because of struggles with the cost of living and money management, ill health, disability, distress through domestic violence, and anxiety, often caused by work-related stress or life-connected trauma.
Support in the form of regular donations from trusts, foundations, local law societies, firms and individuals, and unclaimed client balances (RCBs) from firms, is needed more than ever by the charity in these challenging times.
The Solicitors’ Charity works with clients to identify packages of wellbeing support to help them return to being self-sustaining such as:
Emotional/mental support – with providers of psychotherapy, an initial assessment is offered followed by funded sessions with qualified therapists. The charity part-funds the mental health and wellbeing charity, LawCare, with trained lawyer volunteers providing peer support.
Financial support – if individuals are struggling with finances and money management, with expert partners, the charity help with budgeting and drawing up practical money management plans. Because of increasing demand, it signed up Pennysmart to provide more capacity and expertise for clients to tap into in 2024.
Professional/career support – clients may be returning to work after a break or may need to change the sector of the law they practice in. Perhaps they have been made redundant and need support with securing their next job. The charity funds career counselling support with partner, Renovo.
Physical support – anyone can experience physical illness or disabilities affecting their ability to work or manage at home. The Solicitors’ Charity provides occupational health assessments which help with adaptations to continue with life.
Find out more about The Solicitors’ Charity by visiting: thesolicitorscharity.org.