My experiences as a LawCare helpline volunteer

I have been a volunteer for LawCare since I retired from practising as a self-employed Solicitor Advocate in England and Wales. 

My work with LawCare has brought home to me that all members of our legal community, regardless of their status, are not immune from any of the emotional issues and all other problems which can cause distress.

I feel highly privileged that the LawCare training and ethos has given me the opportunity to provide emotional support to our callers and to share with them, in confidence, the exploration of their options and any other matters which are important to them.

To my mind there seems little doubt that there has been an understandable reluctance to fully recognise the deep emotional and other vital issues caused by long working hours and other burdens which cause anxiety, stress and depression and which even close caring and well-meaning life partners, relatives, friends and colleagues cannot fully recognise or understand.  It is my hope that LawCare will continue to play a vital role in providing emotional support, information and care for all in our legal community and in guiding employers and colleagues in providing a more caring and compassionate working environment. We should not lose sight that many still regard working in the legal profession as a vocation.

Volunteering gives me a very worthwhile retirement interest which I cherish.

John