Law Gazette report on MHFA in the legal sector

Following a series of courses delivered to a leading law firm by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. National Trainer, Clive Stevenson, Law Gazette this week featured a special report on MHFA in the legal sector. Reporter Jonathan Rayner explores how stress-related mental illness is still a taboo subject in many workplaces and looks at how some firms are championing MHFA training as a way of breaking stigma, improving support and creating mentally healthier workplaces.

Rayner speaks to HR Director, Suzanne Hulls, from leading law firm Farrer & Co., who discusses the benefits of MHFA training in raising awareness and explains the organisation’s plan to roll out the training. One of the firm’s senior associates, Adam Carvalho, also gives further insights into Farrer & Co.’s progressive approach to mental health and wellbeing.

The feature gives an in depth look at the findings of the resilience and wellbeing survey published by the Law Society’s Junior Lawyer’s Division, which places a spotlight on the issue of stress and lacking awareness of workplace mental health provision, with a spokesperson for the Law Society also highlighting its guidance on appointing MHFA-trained personnel.

In closing the article focuses on provision of mental health support from LawCare, the only UK charity which focuses exclusively on lawyers mental and physical wellbeing. LawCare’s CEO Elizabeth Rimmer explains the impact of the industry’s culture on employees’ wellbeing and emphasises the need for firms to do more to support staff including through flexible working, commitment from senior leaders, MHFA training and good line management.

You can read the full article here.

To find out more about MHFA courses for your workplace click here.