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Help for barristers

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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Help for clerks and staff

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.

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Help for students and pupils

These resources have been designed specifically for those who have completed their BPTC and for pupils up to tenancy.

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Resources

Our vision

Find out what Wellbeing at the Bar aims to achieve.

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Policy & practice

Guidance on how to introduce wellbeing policies and initiatives and on tackling a wellbeing issue in chambers.

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Media pack

Logos and banners to help you to promote wellbeing.

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Case studies

Examples of successful wellbeing initiatives adopted by chambers, Specialist Bar Associations and the Inns of Court.

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Support

Support for barristers

Who to talk to, how to get help in coping with the pressures and demands of life at the Bar.

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Support for clerks and staff

Who to talk to and how to get help, resources are for clerks and staff themselves.

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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.

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Assistance programme

The confidential 24/7 helpline with access to counselling for barristers, pupils, clerks and chambers’ staff.

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Drug addiction and dependency

Drug addiction and dependence is a big subject. Here we cover some of the basics and invite you to find out more depending on your specific interests.

Approximately 3 million adults in the UK regularly take drugs. Contrary to popular media, there is no ‘typical’ drug taker and many habitual drug users are professionals holding down responsible jobs and managing all of the complexities of family life. Drug use is more frequent in the home (or a friend’s house) rather than in social settings like clubs or pubs.

For confidential help, call

On calling, you will be asked to identify whether you are a self-employed Barrister, or a member of the IBC* or LPMA*

 
0800 169 2040
 

*See member area of IBC/LPMA websites for member access code.

What is addiction and dependence to drugs?

Addiction refers to the long-term compulsive use of a drug. Dependence refers to the body’s natural way of normalising levels of a drug and the consequent requirement of higher doses in order to give a ‘high’.

There are four main types of drugs; stimulants, depressants, opium related painkillers and hallucinogens.

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Cannabis (Marijuana) is both a stimulant and a depressant. Aside from alcohol, it is the most commonly used drug in the UK.

If you feel you are relying on any of the examples of drugs listed below to function adequately or to enjoy life, you may have a dependency issue.

Stimulants

  1. Amphetamines (e.g. speed, crystal meth)
  2. Anabolic steroids
  3. Cocaine
  4. Ecstasy
  5. Khat
  6. Mephedrone
  7. Nicotine

Depressants

  1. Alcohol
  2. Benzodiazapines (common anxiety relieving and sleeping medication)
  3. Caffeine

Opium related painkillers

  1. Heroin
  2. Heroin substitutes such as methadone

Hallucinogenics

  1. ‘Magic mushrooms’
  2. Ketamine
  3. PCP
  4. LSD

Where can I find out more?

If you are worried about your drug consumption start with your GP who can discuss your concerns with you and help you navigate the possible ways forward.

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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.


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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’

2 in 3 barristers feel that showing signs of stress equals weakness