Initially set up to help solicitors with alcohol problems, LawCare has since expanded to support anyone working in the legal profession and their families with a broad range of issues from stress to addiction.
Elizabeth Rimmer, Chief Executive of LawCare, said the charity began life 25 years ago ‘with a small office space in the corner of our first employee Barry Pritchard’s kitchen and a grant from The Law Society of England and Wales’.
Last year, it supported 667 people via 662 phone calls, 119 emails and 50 online chats including providing ongoing peer support to 64 people and funding counselling for 14 people. The most common problems cited were stress (33%), anxiety (13%), depression (10%), bullying (8%) and worries about career development (8%).
The number of people contacting LawCare experiencing stress has seen the biggest increase―from 170 people in 2020 to 211 last year―a rise of 24%.
Rimmer said: ‘It’s been a difficult couple of years for us all and we continue to offer free, confidential, emotional support to anyone that needs us in the profession, on any issue that is worrying them, no matter how small. In our 25th anniversary year we plan to extend our advocacy work to help change the culture in the law, making it a healthier and happier place to work.’
LawCare has published its full 2021 impact report at www.lawcare.org.uk/impact. If you or anyone you know would like free, confidential, emotional support, call 0800 279 6888, email support@lawcare.org.uk or visit www.lawcare.org.uk.
