Welcome to your May wellbeing spotlight

Each month we’ll put a spotlight on wellbeing news, thoughts, events and support from across the Bar and further afield:

Spotlight – Bar Council Chair highlights how important it is for barristers and chambers professionals to look after themselves

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, Kirsty Brimelow KC shared why it’s important for barristers and chambers professional to prioritise their wellbeing.

She said: “I know as a barrister the toll and the impact that some of the material we deal with can have upon your health and your wellbeing. There’s been far too long of shrugging it off and fighting on.”

In the video, she also mentioned our Balint reflective practice pilot, the results of which are set to be published on our website soon. There’ll be two more pilot groups held later this year, with a taster and information session planned for the summer to share more information on what is involved. The dates will be announced shortly.

Kirsty Brimelow shared a video to mark Mental Health Awareness Week

News

Law Society calls for code of practice for Mental Health Act 2025

The Law Society has warned that clear guidance is “essential” to make the Mental Health Act 2025 work for all.

The Act became law in December 2025 and will be rolled out over the next decade. Its goal is to give people accessing mental health care more choice, dignity and respect.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, Chancery Lane urged the UK government to formally consult with experts and those with lived experience to develop a Code of Practice for the 2025 Act.

Government to transform mental health care with new strategy

The Government has launched a call for evidence as it launches a cross-party mental health strategy.

It’s part of a 10-year health plan to “give mental health the attention it deserves”, and NHS workers, clinicians and experts have been invited to share their views on how to transform mental health care for children and adults in England.

It’s hoped the strategy will drive a fundamental shift towards prevention – treating people earlier and faster, and supporting those with mental health conditions to live a full life and stay active in education, work, family life and their communities.

Solicitors’ Charity reveals surge in solicitors seeking help

The Solicitors’ Charity says the number of solicitors seeking help for overlapping emotional, financial and professional support has tripled since 2023.

“Solicitors across England and Wales are facing increasingly complex pressures, with many experiencing challenges that affect their wellbeing, confidence and ability to cope,” says the charity’s Big Report 2025-2026.

Thoughts

• Young Barristers’ Committee Chair Amelia Clegg and former Chair Lachlan Stewart discuss wellbeing for pupils in Counsel Magazine last September
• Nick Gallagher, CEO of The Solicitors’ Charity, is joined by Mark Evans to explore the pressures of today’s legal pression on The Legal Pause podcast
• LawCare CEO Elizabeth Rimmer shares how small actions can make a big difference to wellbeing in Chronicle Law

Events

Supporting performance by preventing moral injury – Tuesday 2 June

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, join the team at LawCare to explore how to handle difficult conversations with colleagues, managers, teams and clients through a free webinar.

Managing difficult conversations at work – Thursday 11 June

Whether it’s giving feedback, raising concerns or challenging unrealistic expectations, difficult conversations can be stressful, especially in the legal sector where hierarchy and heavy workloads can make speaking up feel even more difficult. This training from LawCare will explore practical ways to approach these conversations with more confidence and support better communication at work.

Support 

• BRF subscribers can access 24/7 GP access for them and their families – Find out how to sign up to DoctorLine
• Assistance Programme – Wellbeing at the Bar
• Helpline, online chat and email support – LawCare
• More details on helplines and support available for the Bar

Got a wellbeing event coming up? Want to share your story? Contact us