Wellbeing at the Bar portal launched

A “wellbeing portal” has been launched by the Bar Council, Inns of Court and Institute of Barristers’ Clerks.

The website notes that barristers, clerks and chambers staff are exposed to “emotionally and psychologically challenging environments on a daily basis” and aims to tackle the stigma attached to mental health.

It contains template chambers’ wellbeing policies, as well as support, guidance, adverts for activities, contacts and best practice tips on wellbeing and mental health issues. 

It has been launched in response to an anonymous Bar Council survey in 2014, which found that 300 to 350 individuals out of nearly 2,500 barristers who replied were showing signs of emotional exhaustion.

Rachel Spearing, barrister and co-founder of the initiative, said: “Until a couple of years ago, wellbeing and mental health were not talked about by the profession. It was seen as a sign of weakness, though we all knew it was an issue.”