Supporting You pages launched
Find out how the Law School community can support you during your time here and beyond. Whatever your goals, our team of academics, support staff and specialist advisors are all here to help: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/law/supporting-you/
The page includes information on support for students’ learning, career and next steps, as well as wellbeing. If you are struggling with personal issues or your health, or are simply feeling overwhelmed by your coursework, there is plenty on offer. From drop-in sessions and help with personal development plans - to support visualising your future.
Faculty Wellbeing Advisors
The Social Sciences and Law faculty Student Wellbeing Advisers are based in the Law School, 3.27 Wills Memorial Building, and are available for drop-ins (Monday-Friday, 9.30-15.00 except on Wednesdays (13.30-15.30) and one-to-one sessions.
Student Wellbeing Advisor Laura Mathers spoke to us about what inspired her to apply for the role here at Bristol:
“Reflecting on my own experience at University, there were key times that some wellbeing support would have been gratefully received. I feel that the Student Wellbeing Service is exactly what would have been helpful, for me, to have had the space to talk things through and get an outside perspective. This has inspired me to reach out to others and help people to navigate the balance of personal and academic pressures.”
The Student Wellbeing Service will soon be running workshops on a variety of topics: relaxation, self-esteem, procrastination, perfectionism, and post-graduates.
“Discussions around mental wellbeing are part of everyday life, they happen wherever you are.” – Carolyn Jones, Student Wellbeing Advisor.
Use Your Voice
Our recent Mental Health and the City Event saw a gathering of individuals who have experienced periods of clinical depression and anxiety, as well as those that provide support and guidance, for an open dialogue about their experiences of coping with mental ill-health, and how much is going on in the industry to create a more caring legal community.
Elizabeth Rimmer, Chief Executive of LawCare, an organisation dedicated to the vision of a legal community that promotes and supports good mental health and wellbeing, stressed the importance of expressing yourself:
“If you’re worried, talk to a friend or a family member. Getting your worries off your chest will reassure you you’re not the only one feeling that way. We’ve listened to thousands of lawyers and these are common experiences.”
The panel included Will Merry, Trainee Solicitor at HSF, who graduated from the University of Bristol in 2016. In his first year, Will developed clinical depression and anxiety, which came to a head during his first-year contract law exam. He deferred the remainder of his first-year exams and through a combination of medical help and support from friends, family and the School, developed a much healthier relationship with his studies and career-hunting.