I need help
Barristers inherently face very specific challenges on a daily basis. If you need some help click on support to find contact details and advice on seeking support.
The professional lives of clerks and chambers’ staff include many potential stressors. If you don’t know how to broach an issue, want advice on your options.
These resources have been designed specifically for those who have completed their BPTC and for pupils up to tenancy.
Resources
Guidance on how to introduce wellbeing policies and initiatives and on tackling a wellbeing issue in chambers.
Examples of successful wellbeing initiatives adopted by chambers, Specialist Bar Associations and the Inns of Court.
Support
Who to talk to, how to get help in coping with the pressures and demands of life at the Bar.
Who to talk to and how to get help, resources are for clerks and staff themselves.
Support for students and pupils
Who to talk to and how to get help for those who have completed their BPTC and for pupils up to tenancy.
The confidential 24/7 helpline with access to counselling for barristers, pupils, clerks and chambers’ staff.
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Mental Health & Wellbeing at the Bar
Psychological wellbeing within the profession is rarely spoken about. The Bar Council are seeking to address and support the challenges facing the profession.
I need help
If you are in need of help please choose from the following:Message from the Chair of Wellbeing at the Bar 2020
On 2 April I chaired a Wellbeing Working Group meeting attended by representatives from all areas of the Bar, including the Inns of Court, the Employed Bar and the Young Barristers’ Committee, together with representatives from the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks. It was reassuring to see everyone working so hard to try to make this horrible situation better for their colleagues. We all shared our concerns and experiences to date, and agreed to remain in touch about emerging issues.
Assistance Programme
Did you know?
The Assistance Programme is a true confidential and compassionate 24/7 service helping more than 9.5 million people overcome physical, mental, social and financial challenges.
The programme is there to support barristers and staff through the challenges faced through Covid-19, from financial issues to bereavement.
Certificate of Recognition
The Bar Council has introduced a Certificate of Recognition as a means of acknowledging the huge efforts made across the profession to support the wellbeing of barristers, clerks and chambers’ staff.
If your organisation can demonstrate a commitment to wellbeing through a policy, programme or initiative, and would like to apply for a Certificate of Recognition, you can find further information here.
The Bar Council wellbeing update
We regularly circulate information and updates, with links to useful resources to all wellbeing officers/those with responsibility for wellbeing across the Bar. If you would like to receive this update, please email smercer@barcouncil.org.uk
Click here for a copy of the latest update.
COVID-19 latest:
For pupils and very junior barristers in financial distress, the Inner Temple has authorised a fund during the COVID-19 crisis to alleviate the hardship by those who are not eligible for the Government scheme for the self-employed. The application process and loans and grants awarded will be administered by the Inn’s existing hardship fund, the Marshall Hall Trust. Please click here for further information.
Wellbeing at the Bar provides more information on how to deal with financial stress.
Chancery Bar have made their wellbeing resources available to the whole bar, see here.
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