Speaking at Resolution’s online conference this week, ‘Future of Family Practice’, the President of the Family Division said fatigue was endemic across the sector. He praised the lengths practitioners have gone to in order to ensure hearings continued throughout the lockdown.
‘From day one there has been a can-do mentality,’ Sir Andrew told delegates.
‘Family lawyers can hold their heads high looking back at what we have achieved over the past six months.’
However, he continued: ‘Everyone is fatigued. It’s one thing to get through the first peak of COVID…but to then turn the corner to find out there is another six months to go is very dispiriting and demoralising.
‘One District Family Judge recently described it to me as remorseless. That’s how it must feel for everyone right now. So, it’s all the more important for you to look after your wellbeing.’
Resolution has launched research into the issues affecting the wellbeing of family justice professionals. It is urging practitioners to complete a survey―all those who complete it will receive a free place at a webinar run by LawCare, the legal mental health charity.
Juliet Harvey, National Chair of Resolution, said: ‘COVID and lockdown has certainly brought wellbeing in the workplace into sharper focus.
‘The coming winter months will bring with them greater challenges and that’s why we’re conducting this research so we can be best placed to support the entire family law community. Please complete our survey, share it with colleagues and attend the webinar.’
The survey is at: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ourwellbeing.
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