What can we learn from Australia’s landmark wellbeing program?

by Hannah Salisbury-Carter

As an Australian Qualified Solicitor working at Greens Solicitors, I enjoy keeping up to date with the legal world down under in my home country. One such interesting program which has been created by the Law Society of New South Wales in response to the COVID-19 crisis and on-going recovery of the bushfires and drought is the Solicitor Outreach Service (SOS). Offering three free counselling sessions a year with a psychologist at no cost to New South Wales solicitors, as well as immediate psychological counselling for solicitors in acute crisis or distress through a new hotline, this landmark wellbeing program aims to provide additional wellbeing support Solicitors state wide.

From webinars to informational sessions through the work place, wellbeing in the legal profession is fast becoming a hot topic. But how else can UK Solicitors currently get support? One such not-for-profit company LawCare is a free independent and confidential support service which provides emotional support to everyone in the legal community including families and support staff. LawCare support all sectors of the legal professions and all calls, chats and emails are responded to by trained staff and volunteers who have first-hand experience of working in law.

The question of course remains whether the UK Law Society doing enough to support the wellbeing of those in the legal profession. Would you take part in free counselling sessions if they were offered to you through the Law Society? Comment below!

If you or anyone you know are struggling with their mental health or wellbeing in the legal profession support is available at lawcare.org.uk