Legal mental health charity LawCare will pilot a new webchat service from July 1.

The charity, which offers emotional support to legal professionals and staff in Ireland and Britain through a free confidential helpline and peer support network, received their highest ever number of helpline calls in 2018.

Chief executive Elizabeth Rimmer said “We are very excited to be launching webchat in July. More and more people in the legal community are reaching out to us for support every year so it is vital we expand our support service.

“We also know that many young people are more likely to seek help online than pick up the phone. Our webchat service will allow anyone working in the legal profession to contact one of our trained team members online for emotional support on any issue that is troubling them.”

Awareness

LawCare works to raise awareness of wellbeing issues across the legal community and tackles stigma surrounding mental health. The charity also offers training and talks to legal organisations, and information, resources and factsheets.

Webchat will be available from July 1 www.lawcare.ie  . The helpline is 1800 991 801.