SRA initiative supports solicitors' mental health & wellbeing
Solicitors suffering from stress and mental health issues are to be given individually tailored support, in a new Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) initiative.
The SRA launched its Your health, your career package of support last week to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week. Its initiative highlights the importance of managing the risks of ill health early to stop problems spiralling out of control.
It is asking solicitors to contact it if they are worried about their health so it can direct them to sources of help. These include a one-stop-shop webpage providing help, practical advice from the SRA’s professional ethics team and a call-back service for small firms concerned about regulatory matters.
The SRA is offering solicitors a dedicated person to work with them and tailor processes to suit their requirements. It has promised that communications will be handled sensitively and that extensions to deadlines may be granted where possible.
Paul Philip, SRA chief executive, says: “We can provide a dedicated person to work with, talk regularly, look at extending deadlines when we can, signpost to help, and communicate in a way that suits best.”
Several support agencies for lawyers already exist, including LawCare which helps lawyers with a wide range of issues such as stress, bullying and addiction. The Solicitors’ Assistance Scheme provides confidential guidance and counselling for solicitors. The Solicitors Benevolent Association helps solicitors in financial trouble. The Law Society also provides confidential advice on practice and procedure through the Law Society Practice Advice Service (e-mail: practiceadvice@lawsociety.org.uk) and Lawyerline (e-mail: lawyerline@lawsociety.org.uk).
