A year of growth, connection, and impact

Written by Elizabeth Rimmer, CEO, LawCare 

LawCare support solicitors across Scotland with a variety of initiatives, programmes, training and their helpline. Elizabeth Rimmer, CEO, shares a round up.

Looking back on 2024, it was an incredible year for LawCare, says communications manager, Sarah Fitsell. Alongside Elizabeth, Sarah reports on how the mental health charity made a difference across the legal sector, and its plans for the year ahead.

Providing vital emotional support

We had our busiest year to date on our helpline, providing emotional support for people in the legal sector facing workplace pressures, personal challenges or worries about their careers.

We also provided a listening ear and practical guidance to 83 people through our peer support programme. One person shared: “I found peer support incredibly helpful. [My peer supporter] was absolutely brilliant. She was a great support at a time when I really needed to know somebody was there to listen. I felt she was on my side in a situation where sometimes I really felt embattled.”

Raising awareness and delivering training

In 2024, we saw a big increase in engagement from the legal community. More than 6,000 new followers joined us on LinkedIn, and more people subscribed to our LinkedIn newsletter. We also received significant media coverage, with appearances in The Guardian, The Telegraph and The Times. On top of that, we ran training sessions for firms and legal workplaces, reaching 784 people. Feedback from attendees consistently highlighted that our training was practical, helpful and engaging.

Expanding resources and webinars

We hosted 13 free webinars, attended by 1,348 people, exploring critical issues like bullying, vicarious trauma and the challenges of the billable hour. Experts shared powerful insights and practical advice, sparking important conversations about mental health in the workplace. In addition, we added more than 30 new educational resources to our website, covering a range of topics from burnout to addiction.

Strengthening the LawCare community

In November, our volunteers, champions and trustees came together for a vibrant day of connection and inspiration. The event celebrated our shared commitment to improving mental health in the legal sector. Attendees reflected on their experiences, from offering a non-judgemental ear to supporting systemic change. It was a day to exchange ideas, build awareness and expand our reach.

One attendee shared: “It was so great to meet and connect with others in person and to celebrate LawCare. As a new volunteer, I felt so welcome – it gave me a real sense of belonging.”

Fundraising success

Support from our community has been incredible, with fundraising highlights including Taylor Wessing’s Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, Ron and Dafydd’s Kilimanjaro climb, and Manu’s beard challenge. These efforts make a real difference, allowing us to continue providing free and confidential support to those who need us.

Thank you to everyone who has supported LawCare this year – you’ve been part of something truly special.

Remember, if you want to talk to someone, LawCare’s helpline is open every weekday from 9am to 5pm on 0800 279 6888. You can also email support@lawcare.org.uk or use the online chat and resources at lawcare.org.uk.

Plans for 2025

In 2025, LawCare is focusing on its Life in the Law research, building on the 2021 survey of legal professionals. The surveys are running from 15th January to 21st March, and the findings will help us understand why people in the legal sector may be experiencing poor mental health and what practical steps organisations and individuals can take to prevent this. 

The research isn’t just about data. It’s about people in the legal sector: their experiences, challenges and successes. Your insights – whether as an individual navigating the challenges of legal work or as part of an organisation striving to support colleagues – are vital. 

The surveys are confidential, which means your answers will remain anonymous. Your participation is crucial to the development of practical, evidence-based recommendations that will lead to improvements in working practices to better support mental health. The survey findings, along with evidence-based recommendations, will be shared in October 2025.

LawCare is also launching a Reverse Mentoring Toolkit in spring, based on the findings from a research project with the University of Leeds.

The Reverse Mentoring Toolkit is designed to help legal organisations set up meaningful reverse mentoring programmes. Reverse mentoring flips the usual mentoring relationship by having junior employees mentor senior colleagues. This helps challenge traditional workplace hierarchies, gives underrepresented voices a chance to be heard, and addresses equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) issues.

The toolkit explains how to create safe spaces for open conversations and avoid turning reverse mentoring into a tick-box exercise. It provides practical advice for organisations of all sizes to build programmes that are well-structured and impactful, helping to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

Written by Elizabeth Rimmer, CEO, LawCare