The Bar is a profession built on strength, independence and resilience but none of those mean you have to cope alone. Stress, burnout, anxiety and financial pressure affect barristers across every practice area and stage of call. There is no shame in struggling, and no success in staying silent.
There are now more confidential, accessible and inclusive support services available to barristers than ever before. If you’re finding things difficult, here’s where to start.
Confidential Help, Whenever You Need It
The Assistance Programme (funded by the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund) is open to the entire self-employed Bar, as well as members of the IBC and LPMA. It includes telephone support, counselling services and online resources.
You can access it all via:
🔗 wellbeingatthebar.org.uk/support-for-barristers
Trusted Mental Health Charities
These independent charities are here to support you, both in and outside the profession:
LawCare
Free, confidential support for legal professionals.
📞 0800 279 6888 | 🌐 lawcare.org.uk
Mind
A leading mental health charity with helplines, resources and support.
📞 0300 123 3393 | 🌐 mind.org.uk
Mental Health Foundation
Evidence-based advice on managing mental health.
🌐 mentalhealth.org.uk
Samaritans
Available 24/7 for anyone experiencing emotional distress.
📞 116 123 | 🌐 samaritans.org
Financial Support
Money worries can be overwhelming, especially during pupillage or early practice.
The Barristers’ Benevolent Association (BBA)
Provides financial help and support to current and former barristers, judges, and their families.
📞 020 7242 4761 | 🌐 the-bba.com
Spaces for Reflection
The chapels and churches of the Inns of Court are open to all and offer quiet spaces to pause, reflect, and breathe. You do not have to be religious to use them.
- Gray’s Inn Chapel: 10am–6pm weekdays
- Lincoln’s Inn Chapel: 9am–5pm weekdays
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The Temple Church: 10am–4pm weekdays
Who Can I Talk To?
Start with someone you trust whether they’re in your chambers or not. You don’t have to explain everything straight away. A simple “Can we talk?” is enough.
Worried about being a burden? You’re not. You’re a human being with limits. Reaching out is not weakness, it’s strategy. It helps you recover faster, perform better, and stay well in the long term.
Wellbeing Contacts & Networks
Each circuit and association has wellbeing leads who can provide resources, contacts and events to support you. You can also reach out directly to:
- Bar Council: Sam Mercer (smercer@barcouncil.org.uk)
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Young Bar: Anushka Kangesu (akangesu@3djb.co.uk)
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Your Inn of Court: Inner, Middle, Gray’s or Lincoln’s - each has designated support contacts.
More contacts listed here:
🔗 Wellbeing at the Bar – Circuit & Association Contacts
Final note: You don’t have to wait until the breaking point. If you’re tired, stressed, overwhelmed, or just not quite yourself - reach out. Support is not only available. It’s encouraged. The Bar is tough. So are you. But no one should go it alone.