Mental wellbeing is a key focus especially for judges who regularly encounter disturbing material in the courts
Stressed-out judges in the UK are getting more support from the government.
The judiciary has confirmed to the Law Society Gazette that a support framework is in the works in the UK, with some parts already live.
Judicial officials can already access a 24/7 confidential hotline that offers practical and emotional support given by trained personnel. Face-to-face counselling is also available when needed.
Yasmin Qureshi, Labour MP and criminal barrister, asked the Ministry of Justice through a written question about the effect of rising case-loads on the mental wellbeing of judges.
Justice Minister Lucy Frazer responded last Wednesday and said that the welfare, training, and guidance of the England and Wales judiciary are responsibilities of the lord chief justice and the senior president of tribunals. She said that e-learning modules on managing stress and resilience are already available to judicial officials.
The judiciary confirmed that the support service will be launched shortly, the Gazette reported.
