Dechert introduces mental health first aiders

updated on 12 October 2018

International law firm Dechert LLP has introduced mental health ‘first aiders’ among its staff.

As reported in the Law Gazette, seven employees at the firm have been given accredited mental health training with St John Ambulance in order to support colleagues struggling with mental health issues. The firm has also established mental health champions who will liaise with senior management on how to improve mental health and wellbeing around the company.

The announcement follows recent discussions around the training and support given to junior lawyers and the changes that need to take place in law firm culture to facilitate this. Dechert is one of the first firms to announce this kind of support for its employees. Horwich Farrelly announced its mental health first aiders scheme last year.

Caroline Bowes, Dechert’s director of human resources for EMEA, said: “All of our programmes – whether aimed at physical, financial or mental wellbeing - are designed to engage, educate and provide the best possible support to our people.”