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Anxiety, vicarious trauma behind ‘busy year’ for barrister’s mental health service
The mental health service providing support to NSW barristers reportedly had a “busy” year, with many of the state’s Bar members accessing the service for stress, anxiety and vicarious trauma.
Naomi Neilson
The number of NSW Bar members and their families accessing the confidential counselling service BarCare jumped from 98 in the 2022–23 reporting year to 102, according to the 2023–24 annual report.
President Dr Ruth Higgins SC said the Bar Association has been focused on its members’ wellbeing with the intention of creating “a healthier, more supportive and more sustainable work culture”.
Of those who accessed the service, 56 were women. This number increased from 46 in 2022–23, while the number of men who have accessed the service over both periods remained largely the same.
The majority of people who accessed the service were between the ages of 34 and 55. Just eight between the ages of 56–65 were provided with support, as were five people above the age of 65.
Many of those members have been at the bar for less than 15 years.
At its final meeting in 2023, the Bar Council approved the Mental Health First Aid Course across the state’s chambers, which saw more than 80 participants from 48 chambers attend.
Executive director Andreas Heger said the training was implemented to assist members with identifying the “early warning signs” and encourage them to engage with BarCare.
“Mental health and wellbeing of the Bar has remained a key focus for our organisation and is a personal priority for me and the president,” Heger said.
“Vicarious trauma is also high on the agenda of [the] wellbeing committee, and the association is partnering with the Law Society of New South Wales and other legal regulators across Australia to share knowledge and examine solutions.”
Help is available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636. Each law society and bar association also has resources available on their respective websites.
Naomi Neilson
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
You can email Naomi at:
