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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.
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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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This case study may be useful if you are looking for examples of increasing awareness of wellbeing, developing resilience training schemes and/or promoting wellbeing initiatives
Hailsham have introduced a range of initiatives based on feedback from members. Initiatives include wellbeing education as well as social events to bring members together to support one another. A wellbeing officer has been appointed to coordinate activity.
Hailsham want barristers and staff to know that they work better when their work and non-work lives are balanced; and that when their wellbeing takes a dip, there is information and help at hand; also that others here have been through adverse wellbeing events and can offer a sympathetic ear.
What was the business (other case) for action?
Hailsham Chambers has experience of barristers and staff suffering from adverse mental health and/or stress at work. They were aware based on first-hand experience of the financial and organisational pressure this can put on Chambers. Their wellbeing strategy aims to mitigate wellbeing issues, and to identify potential problems earlier.
They also wish to maintain a reputation that Hailsham Chambers is a healthy and friendly place to work, which in turn will support recruitment and retention.
What did the Chambers do?
Hailsham deliberately sought to address wellbeing (of barristers and staff) from the bottom up, rather than imposing a policy from above.
Hailsham has:
An outcome of dialogue around wellbeing has been the introduction of events (e.g. a Music Quiz Night for staff and barristers and more ad hoc chambers coffee mornings/tea events (one was arranged for charity)).
Chambers also organises:
Other activity to support wellbeing includes:
Chambers also supports an established wine club.
“Hailsham has adopted a bottom up approach to wellbeing, creating a sense of ownership and acceptance of the agenda by encouraging members and staff to identify opportunities to improve wellbeing across chambers, whilst providing structure and support via a wellbeing officer.”
Wellbeing at the Bar Working Group
What were the results?
Feedback from the formal wellbeing presentations have been positive.
Members and staff are very enthusiastic, because chambers is acting on ideas suggested by members and staff. The impact of the Quiz Night cannot be understated in wellbeing terms. Opportunities to socialise together in an informal setting are few and far between. It is hoped similar evenings (in differing formats) will become an annual event.
Whenever there is a chambers tea event, there is a flurry of positive comment about how enjoyable this is and how it is good that this is being done more often.
Tips
The information and resource packs on this website are designed to help you and your colleagues to work as a community for better wellbeing and professional resilience. If you want to provide feedback on these resources, or to get involved in promoting wellbeing please get in touch.
It can be difficult to make a living from law and it can be pressurised and demanding. Competition and an adversarial approach to everything can make collegiate relationships difficult. This website aims to provide you with the knowledge to manage these stressors, make emotionally informed, wise professional decisions and thrive in your chosen profession.
A simple expression that sums up wellbeing is ‘travelling well’
Psychological wellbeing within the profession is rarely spoken about