EditorSolicitors Journal

LawCare covid-19 calls are 'tip of the iceberg' of emotional problems

LawCare covid-19 calls are 'tip of the iceberg' of emotional problems

Recent calls for help and emotional support to LawCare have revealed some law firms have asked employees to continue to work when furloughed

Recent calls to LawCare for emotional support have revealed some law firms have asked furloughed employees to continue to work.

The legal mental health charity has released its latest covid-19 figures to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from today until 24 May.

It said 48 legal professionals made contact about coronavirus-related issues since 10 March, two weeks before the lockdown was imposed.

Though this represents just 37% of all 130 contacts made to LawCare’s support services since that date, its chief executive Elizabeth Rimmer suggested this is the “tip of the iceberg”.

Topping the list of concerns were not being allowed to work from home, financial issues relating to furlough, pay cuts or lack of work, and worsening mental health conditions.

Some of those calling LawCare were experiencing practical issues caused by the lockdown measures including childcare problems and transport, while others were being asked to work while on furlough.

Further issues included relationship strain and domestic abuse.  

Rimmer commented: “We feel this is very much the tip of the iceberg and anticipate in the coming weeks more and more legal professionals will contact us as the emotional and financial impact of the pandemic begins to really hit home.”

LawCare said the numbers of people contacting it has not increased from a normal month, but the issues people are contacting it about are changing.

Some of the issues, says the charity, that were previously causing stress and anxiety have reduced but they are being or will be replaced with new issues as a result of covid-19.

“We would like to remind all legal professionals”, said Rimmer, “including support staff, they can contact us for free, in confidence, to discuss anything that is bothering them.”

She emphasised that it can really help to talk through problems with one of LawCare’s trained staff and volunteers; all of whom have worked in the law.

Legal professionals can access the charity’s covid-19 information hub here.

LawCare’s helpline number is 0800 279 6888 (1800 991 801 in Ireland).

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement
Latest News

The Chancery Lane Project expands to the USA

Thu Sep 21 2023

Delay in Final Report of the Infected Blood Inquiry

Thu Sep 21 2023

Attorney General presents UK intervention in Ukraine case against Russia at International Court of Justice

Thu Sep 21 2023

Firms losing potential clients by failing to return their calls, research shows

Thu Sep 21 2023

Powers of attorney modernised as legislation allows CILEX Lawyers to certify LPA copies for the first time

Thu Sep 21 2023

Stark contrast between Government response to Post Office Horizon victims and Infected Blood

Wed Sep 20 2023

ACSO comments on the Justice select Committee report:

Wed Sep 20 2023

Campaigners win permission to appeal against Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station ruling

Tue Sep 19 2023

Pre-inquest review into the deaths of Reading murder victims, James Furlong, Dr David Wails and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett

Mon Sep 18 2023
FeaturedAudit reform: if not now, when?
Audit reform: if not now, when?
Browne Jacobson collaborates with LGiU on report highlighting “critical” role of local government to hit net zero
Browne Jacobson collaborates with LGiU on report highlighting “critical” role of local government to hit net zero
The battle for talent – promoting diversity
The battle for talent – promoting diversity
BSB publishes new guidance on barristers’ conduct in non-professional life and on social mediaSJ interview: Adrian Chopin
SJ interview: Adrian Chopin
Whose human rights are more important, yours or mine?
Whose human rights are more important, yours or mine?