Abacus supports LawCare in Northern Ireland

To celebrate World Mental Health Day, the legal team in Abacus is very pleased to announce our support for LawCare in Northern Ireland. LawCare is the mental wellbeing charity for the legal profession and Abacus is committed to help them promote their free support service and enhance the charity’s profile in NI.

“Our legal team engages with legal professionals throughout each day. Some law grads face financial or career stress, while other more seasoned lawyers face pressures as an employer. Whether work or in life, mental health and wellbeing is now a common theme, and in recent years, it has encouraged people to discuss it more. Many employers are also prioritising health and wellbeing as a critical investment in their team too. This influenced our decision to support LawCare and we hope our small involvement can sign-post individuals to the right information and helpline.” stated Stuart John, MD of the legal recruitment team in Abacus.

“Having worked in the legal sector in Northern Ireland for 14 years I have a good understanding of some of the challenges that may be faced by those working in the law. My time with LawCare has given me further insight into various pressures and issues which can be faced by anyone at any stage in their career. How we feel about things and our ability to cope with issues that arise can change greatly from one day to the next. I know that not everyone who might need our help knows about LawCare and what we can offer so I’m keen to keep spreading the word. I am passionate about the work we do and about increasing understanding and awareness in Northern Ireland. I want everyone working in the sector to know that whether you are having a bad day and just don’t feel positive, or if your issue is longer lasting at LawCare we’re here for you, so please do reach us and let us support you,” Niamh Warnock, LawCare Support and Volunteer Coordinator.

LawCare offer free, confidential, emotional support, peer support, and resources to those working in the law in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. They promote mental health and wellbeing best practice in legal workplaces and drive culture change in education, training and practice. They have been supporting legal professionals for 25 years and understand life in the law.

Their support service offers a safe place to talk without judgement. They are ready to listen, with helpline calls, emails and online chats answered in confidence by trained staff and volunteers, all of whom have first-hand experience of working in the law.

They have a network of peer supporters, people who work in the legal profession who may have been through difficult times themselves and can offer one-to-one support, friendship and mentoring to people referred to them. They can also, in some circumstances, provide financial support for those who need professional counselling.

Confidentiality assured – LawCare won’t ask for your roll number or details of your workplace, you don’t even have to give your name, and they are independent of professional bodies and regulators.

Who they help – LawCare are here to help all branches of the legal profession: solicitors, barristers, judges, paralegals, support staff and concerned family members. The support of LawCare spans the legal life from student to retirement.

If you feel you need support, please contact the helpline on 0800 279 6888, email [email protected]  or access online chat and other resources at www.lawcare.org.uk

LawCare understands life in the law.