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

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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 for barristers

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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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News / Events: Culture Change

Mental Health Awareness Week: Wellbeing at the Bar Blog

Mental Health Awareness Week: Wellbeing at the Bar Everyone at some point in their lives will experience low points and challenges.  The stigma associated with mental health is unjust because poor health can occur in any part of our body and we don’t have the same negative associations with a broken leg or arm after a […]

Wellbeing at the Bar blog: Valerie Charbit

During my term as Recorder of the South Eastern Circuit, I enjoyed the privilege of assisting two inspirational leaders, each so supportive of the Bar and the profession. To succeed at the Bar requires drive and determination. It also requires sleep. Matthew Walker[1] a sleep scientist says that “sleep could save your life” and that […]

Introducing new case studies: Grant Warnsby

As we sat down on a cold, damp Monday afternoon in October it became evident those Monday afternoon blues would be blown away. We were there to review submissions made by chambers, Inns, organisations and Specialist Bar Associations as part of the profession-wide Certificate of Recognition for Wellbeing at the Bar. Far too often these […]

Wellbeing at the Bar – Lessons Learned and Next Steps

The Bar Council initiated our wellbeing work fully aware that we were going to be in it for the long haul. We recognised we had a mountain to climb in challenging the stigma too often associated with mental health, particularly at the Bar. That said, we’ve been surprised at how receptive barristers (and their clerks) […]

Lo♥︎ing legal life: how senior lawyers can help reduce stress in colleagues

This week, systemic coach Zita Tulyahikayho and barrister James Pereira KC discuss how to read the signs of potential stress in ourselves and others. When we genuinely value something, we look after it. Most people find looking after high value items fairly straightforward. Take a car. Most people drive with reasonable care to avoid damaging […]

Keeping in good working order

Nick Hill, Chairman of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks (IBC) explains how the clerking community are working with the Bar to help drive the wellbeing initiative At the Bar Conference in October the Wellbeing at the Bar website was launched, providing information, advice and support for those working at or with the Bar. This was so much […]

Chambers’ organisational structures and working practices can make wellbeing issues harder to spot

Joanna Chatterton (pictured below) of Fox Williams LLP  explains how Chambers’ organisational structures can mask wellbeing issues.  The launch of the invaluable wellbeingatthebar.org.uk portal is a significant step towards removing the stigma associated with mental health at the Bar and towards encouraging chambers, their members and staff to tackle this challenging issue. The fact that […]

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