LawCare - the mental health charity for the legal sector

A massive thank you to everyone who joined us for our LawCare community event on Monday 18 November 2024 at the RPC offices. It was such a joy to see our amazing volunteers, Champions, and Trustees come together for a day filled with connection, inspiration, and energy. For those who couldn’t make it – we missed you and hope to see you next time. The atmosphere was incredible, and it truly felt like we achieved our goal of getting everyone talking, connecting, and sharing ideas. There was so much food for thought, and we’re excited to develop these ideas in 2025. Topics like future events, Champion catch-ups, and new ways to connect with our volunteers are some of the ideas we hope to explore next year. We also reflected on some of the things we love about being part of LawCare, including: ?? Being surrounded by like-minded people with shared values. ?? Offering a non-judgemental ear to those who need it. ?? Knowing we’re part of a bigger picture, making a difference to mental health in the legal sector. ?? Feeling valued, useful, and proud of the collective impact we’re making. "Being involved with an organisation that really cares and wants to make a difference. Alongside a tremendous staff team and dedicated volunteers." And, of course, we also discussed ideas for improvement, like increasing our reach, building awareness, more in-person meet-ups, and finding new ways to connect. There’s so much to build on, and it’s clear we all share the same passion for growing this incredible community. A huge thank you to RPC for hosting us so brilliantly and to everyone who contributed to the success of the day. And also to Nicola Jones and Claire Rason for facilitating and ensuring we were all relaxed and engaged. Thank you for being part of LawCare – we couldn’t do this without you! ?? We took sooooooo many photos. See more on the news story on the LawCare website: https://lnkd.in/eGn3_TMR #LawCareCommunity #MentalHealthAwareness #LegalSector #inspired

Reverse mentoring is never an answer or solution. It’s a conversation starter. It’s a catalyst. It’s an opportunity to talk, consider, analyse and reflect. But really, it’s what happens next after the reverse mentoring conversation that’s the most critical factor. A clear, next steps action plan should therefore be at the heart of the analysis of any reverse mentoring scheme. The learning process of reverse mentoring should never end but can instead be viewed as a continuous, open loop which, as time goes on, grows, expands and brings in more people to the mission: to make the law a better place to be and to work, for everyone. If you’re considering introducing reverse mentoring within your workplace, here are our top 10 tips for making it impactful, based on our experiences of running a reverse mentoring research project in the legal sector. ?? Read our 10 tips for impactful reverse mentoring: https://lnkd.in/eReivZhV #ReverseMentoring #LegalSector #lawyer #law #MentalHealthAwareness #EDI

Stress continues to be a big issue in the legal sector, especially for trainees and women under 35. Join Niamh Warnock from LawCare at Diversity+’s online event: ?? Stress awareness in the legal profession ?? Thursday 28 November ? 1:00pm Sign up here - https://lnkd.in/ejs5pA2h Niamh will be talking about what causes stress and how we can manage it better. It’s a great chance to learn how we can support ourselves and each other. Don’t miss it - sign up now! #StressAwareness #LegalProfession #MentalHealthMatters #ScottishLegalProfession

Working in the legal sector, you’re likely familiar with the importance of wills, powers of attorney, and planning for old age. You may even advise clients on these very issues. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve had these conversations with your own parents or checked whether they have their paperwork and plans in order. As well as being an awkward subject to broach, a hectic schedule can make it tricky to find the time, especially if distance is involved. Depending on your family dynamic, these conversations can also lead to friction or arguments. But deprioritising or avoiding them could end up being one of your (and your parents’) biggest regrets. Preparing for their old age goes beyond just preparing legal documents. There are many other factors to consider, from financial planning and health care management to living arrangements and end-of-life preferences. ?? In this guide, Katie Fyfe shares simple steps to help you prepare, from sorting legal documents to planning health care. Here are six practical tips to get you started: 1. Broach the conversation (ideally by the time they’re 70) 2. Organise a planning meeting 3. Preparing for the planning meeting 4. Key questions to ask your parents 5. Encourage and help them to declutter 6. Get engaged in their health and wellbeing Read the full article - Save yourself the stress and prepare for your parents' old age on the LawCare website. Direct link in the comments below ?? #LegalSector #Stress #PlanningForOldAge #WillsAndTrusts #PowersOfAttorney #Decluttering

Are you thinking of setting up a mental health support group for men in the legal sector but need some ideas about how to start? We can help. Have a look at our 'Support groups for men' resource. This resource was developed following a webinar in February 2023. You can also listen to an audio recording of the webinar. #InternationalMensDay #Lawyer #SupportGroup #LegalSector #MentalHealthMatters

I had the pleasure of speaking at the Hill Dickinson LLP International Men’s Day seminar on behalf of LawCare - the mental health charity for the legal sector with my old colleague Peter Jackson (old meaning in years ago rather than age??). I always enjoy the honesty in Peter’s talks and below is a piece that he wrote to explain his physical health journey. Thanks Peter??????????

"We need to redefine what ‘manliness’ requires. It shouldn’t be about downing seven shots of whiskey to prove how much of a man you are or working yourself towards a state of burnout." Spare a few minutes this International Men's Day to read our 'Men’s mental health in the legal profession report'. A review of LawCare's helpline showed that a significant majority (approximately 65%\) of the people getting in touch for support identified as being female, with only 35% identifying as being male. We know from other reports and statistics that men are less likely to discuss their mental health or seek help for mental health problems. We also know that mental health does not discriminate and we want to do all we can to influence change in the practice and culture of law to better support men. So in 2022 we produced a report about Men's mental health in the legal profession. The report looks at: ?? The experience of mental ill-health for men in law. ?? Seeking out support. ?? Barriers to seeking support. ?? LawCare’s role. ?? A call for change in the profession. The report shows that groups that encourage discussion and provide a safe space to do so are a good starting point for many. #InternationalMensDay #Burnout #LegalSector #MentalHealthMatters

On International Men's day, here's a shout out to all the men who make the world a better place. It's easy to forget that the silent majority of men are amazing men who embody the characteristics that many of us are striving towards. I was reminded of the research I conducted for LawCare - the mental health charity for the legal sector a couple of years ago on the topic of men's mental health, and the fact that so few men seek support when they desperately need it, whether that's for physical or mental health, due to the stigma of being perceived as weak. The conversation is improving, but we still need days like today, to remind ourselves to keep being brave and doing the scary things (such as being vulnerable). #IMD #wellbeing #mensmentalhealth

"Being able to speak to men who I see as role models on a regular basis, in a safe space, has shown me how to become a better person and reassures me that any difficulties I face in my life have been overcome by somebody else. That is a comforting experience." This International Men’s Day, LawCare Champion James McFarlane is talking about at how positive male role models can influence lives and challenge stereotypes in the legal sector. Read it now on The Law Society of Scotland website. ?? The impact of positive male role models ??

A huge thank you to Elizabeth Rimmer Anna Buttimore Andrew Darnton and the team at LawCare - the mental health charity for the legal sector for inviting us volunteers, trustees, and champions to this year’s celebratory event. So kind of RPC to offer their generous hosting facilities (check out the view). As a mental health charity for ANYONE in the legal profession (legal secretaries, in-house counsel, retired barristers, solicitors, CILEX, paralegals, NQs) no matter your background, personal circumstances, religion, sex, etc, you will be listened to and heard, with empathy, unconditional positive regard and compassion. If you’re struggling with your mental health, and you work in our sector, LawCare and all its volunteers (who work also in the legal industry) are there to support you. AND I got to catch up with my buddy Emma Williams (your ears may well have been burning Eloise Butterworth - be in touch with ??dates soon). When we, as volunteers via online chats, peer support, helplines & champions, jump into our sessions we are all doing so remotely. Therefore supervision and connection is important to ensure our own oxygen masks are secured, to give the very best support to each and every individual seeking LawCare support. Today it was wonderful to connect with others in similar roles to my own, sharing experiences. Great to meet in person and chat effectively ???? Nicholas O'Neill ( my Leo ?? friend) Lucinda Soon (I promise never to force you onto a podcast ??), Ruth Fenton MBA Solicitor (thank you for the Lego Play) and Michaela Hardwick ?? Big shout out to the facilitators Nicola Jones & Claire Rason - amazing energy. Am taking away some effective tips for self care (including a little figure of eight tai chi). #jobsatisfaction #careinlaw #workplacewellbeing #leadership