Thursday, 9 September 2021 is R U OK? Day. This year the message is: “Are they really OK? Ask them today”.
We all experience life’s ups and downs, but some may be struggling and not know how to reach out for help. Your genuine support can make a difference whatever they are facing, big or small.
So, today I would like to encourage everyone to reach out to someone they think may be troubled. It’s not always easy to have these conversations, but it could change a life.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted us all, in both our personal and professional lives. The legal profession has faced significant challenges in adapting swiftly and efficiently to an online mode of service delivery and working remotely, particularly during the height of the pandemic. The new challenge is to look at our work environment with fresh eyes and make changes to ensure that return-to-the-office strategies inspire a positive work – life balance in an environment that can change at any time.
Never has it been more important to be mindful of mental health and wellbeing as the boundaries between work and home are increasingly blurred, and new challenges arise, to create distance between work and non-work activities. The Law Society brings together a strong community of supportive professionals whom you can reach out to.
There are effective strategies for mindfulness and stress management that can be explored in the Law Society’s Continuing Professional Development programme or by visiting our website.
We also maintain a LawCare WA health and wellbeing service for members, which includes an assistance programme and free counselling sessions.
R U OK? Day set in the season of First Spring – Djilba, traditionally a time of new beginning, of hope and optimism, may inspire you to reach out to colleagues, friends and family if you think they may be troubled.
Jocelyne Boujos, President, The Law Society of Western Australia
