Calls to LawCare helpline from UK and Ireland up 12 per cent

The top two most common reasons for calls remain the same, with stress at 38 per cent of calls (37 per cent in 2015) and depression at 12 per cent (11 per cent).

The number of calls about career development have risen from four per cent in 2015 to 11 per cent, while disciplinary issues have fallen from 12 per cent to 10 per cent.

The other main reasons for calls were bullying / harassment at seven per cent (nine per cent); financial problems at six per cent (five per cent); alcohol-related issues, three per cent (five per cent); ethical issues, three per cent (four per cent), and Other issues, including bereavement, drugs, relationship issues and chronic illness were at 10 per cent (13 per cent).

Women made 62 per cent of calls, with men at 38 per cent, a change from 65 per cent and 35 per cent in 2015 respectively.

“What the increase in calls to the helpline shows is that more people are aware of LawCare and the specialist support we offer across the legal profession,” explained Elizabeth Rimmer, CEO.

“We are not surprised that stress is still the number one reason for calls: this can be work-related, or due to personal issues.

“We continue to raise awareness about what we provide, and the value of our service, to all sectors of the legal community. We want to encourage people in the legal profession to talk about their mental health and wellbeing, so we can tackle the stigma associated with it, particularly in the workplace.”