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.
Search
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:Welcome to Wellbeing at the Bar
We have recently published new research on barristers wellbeing.
Read the Wellbeing Panel’s Action Plan.
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, pupils, and staff through the challenges faced through Covid-19, from financial issues to bereavement.
Certificate of Recognition
The Bar Council has revamped its Certificate of Recognition programme. These Certificates acknowledge 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 new 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
Chancery Bar have made their wellbeing resources available to the whole bar.
The Bar Council wellbeing latest update
Certificate of Recognition May 2024
We are pleased to announce that the following chambers have recently been awarded a Wellbeing Certificate of Recognition: 1 Crown Office Row Chambers, Brighton 2 Hare Court 3 Verulam Buildings 4PB Devon Chambers One Essex Court Park Square Barristers Pump Court Tax Chambers Serjeants’ Inn Chambers Temple Garden Chambers The Barrister Group Wilberforce […]
Wellbeing Key Dates and Events 2024
Please see below upcoming wellbeing related events. If you would like to share details of a useful event, please email us. 5 September – Law Care: vicarious trauma webinar 10 September – Health Assured: suicide awareness webinar
Understanding vicarious trauma in the legal workplace
Vicarious trauma occurs when people are indirectly exposed to trauma through their work with those who have experienced traumatic events. In the legal sector this can happen to anyone who works with clients who have experienced trauma such as domestic or other violence, child abuse, sexual assault, torture, fleeing their homeland as a refugee, personal […]
Recent videos
