We at LawCare were sorry to read the letter of 10 May from Jean Booth. Sadly her experience of stress leading to debilitating and ultimately career-ending depression is one we hear only too often on the LawCare helpline. We would reiterate Ms Booth’s advice - if you are juggling the many demands of life, don't push yourself too hard. Help is at hand for those who may be struggling.

LawCare is an independent charity which provides confidential free help and support to all those working within the legal profession. The helpline, staffed by former lawyers with training in telephone counselling, is available 365 days a year from 9am to 7.30pm weekdays and 10am to 4pm at weekends and on Bank Holidays (tel: 0800 279 6888; or the website).

LawCare also offers free (except for expenses) CPD-accredited presentations tailored both to staff, to enable them to cope with the pressures placed upon them, and to partners, to help them recognise the problems and prevent the bottom-line issues stress can cause from harming their firm. Anyone interested in booking a presentation or obtaining LawCare materials to distribute within their firm can call LawCare on 01268 771333.

Our aim is to enable competent lawyers, such as Jean Booth, to cope with the demands placed upon them and take steps to manage their stress before they are lost to the profession.

Anna Buttimore, administrator, LawCare