As a member of the LawCare team, I much appreciated your recent article, outlining the rise in the number of those in the profession seeking help for stress (see [2006] Gazette, 30 March, 1). Of course, the figures quoted only reflect those who actually seek help - many more struggle on without assistance, trying to cope, becoming ill, and having to take sick leave.

Law Society President Kevin Martin is quoted as saying: 'Firms need to be sure that they are aware of and manage the demands on their solicitors.' We at LawCare totally agree and want to bring to the attention of the profession the fact that LawCare not only offers a 365-day-a-year helpline and volunteer support, but also goes out to firms, local law societies and special interest groups, giving free (save for expenses) and CPD-accredited training on the recognition and management of stress, to all sections of the profession.


In 2005, we reached nearly 3,500 lawyers via these courses and have received positive feedback. Because we are lawyers helping lawyers, the LawCare staff have personal experience of the pressures of life in practice, and this has been much appreciated by those with whom we have worked. We are also totally independent of law firms and the Law Society, so those contacting us can feel sure of our confidentiality.


We are helping many lawyers, but there are still many more to be reached, and the earlier the better, to stop problems developing in the first place.


Ann Charlton, LawCare regional co-ordinator for England and Wales, Wolverhampton