Providing support (helping colleagues and others)
In the legal profession, we often work in high-pressure environments where those going through a difficult time may not feel safe or comfortable speaking up. Learning how to recognise the signs of distress and offering meaningful support can make a real difference. Supporting others not only helps those who are struggling, but also strengthens workplace culture, builds trust, reduces stigma around mental health, and fosters resilience across the profession.
Knowing when to reach out (and what to say) can be difficult, and many choose not to say anything for fear of inadvertently contributing to the situation.
To help you safely support colleagues, friends or family, we have compiled the following resources and information.
Resources
- Mental Health First Aid is training which teaches people the skills needed to help anyone they are concerned about (think first aid training but for mental health). MHFA provide a range of training options for individuals and workplaces and can be contacted on 03 9079 0200 or by email to mhfa@mhfa.com.au, or click here to register for the Law Society’s Mental Health First Aid Training two-day course in February 2026.
- Beyond Blue provides advice on how to support others suffering from mental health problems.
- R U OK? provides resources for creating a safe and supportive culture, initiating difficult conversations and looking after colleagues in the workplace. They also have a short video to provide practical tips for how to ask a work colleague if they need help.
- SANE Australia is for people with recurring, persistent or complex mental health issues and trauma, and for their families, friends and communities. They have produced a How to help in a crisis resource guide and Guidance for supporting someone at risk of suicide.
- The Bar Council of England and Wales’ Mental Health and Wellbeing at the Bar has a useful guide covering How to have a wellbeing conversation.
- The Black Dog Institute has produced a museful short video, Working towards wellbeing – talking about what really matters, to provide some quick tips on starting that conversation.
