New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa President Tiana Epati has sent a message to all New Zealand lawyers to outline support available to those in legal workplaces.
"In these uncertain times, it is important we look after our own mental health and that of our legal staff. In February this year, the Board approved the extension of our free Legal Community Counselling Service pilot through to February 2021," Ms Epati said.
"Anyone who works in a legal workplace can contact Vitae, one of New Zealand’s most experienced providers of workplace wellbeing services to receive up to three solution-focused counselling sessions with trained and accredited clinicians (counsellors, psychologists or psychotherapists). The service is individual and confidential and it is available every day of the year, and every hour of the day. You can access the free service in one of three ways:
- Free calling Vitae on 0508 664 981;
- Filling out an online referral; or
- Download the Vitae NZ app from the App store or Google Play.
"When contacting Vitae please ensure you mention you are accessing the Legal Community Counselling Service."
Ms Epati said she will be providing more updates in the coming weeks about other steps the Law Society will be taking to support the profession and staff.
"In the meantime, wishing you all ease and strength as we work our way through lots of hand-washing, social distancing and working remotely to figure out this next chapter together."