The opening of the firm's first in-house counselling clinic in the UK has been announced today.
The clinic will be run in partnership with Change of Harley Street, with regular surgeries available in London and virtual appointments from its dedicated psychologists and psychotherapists.
Launching this latest clinic in Mental Health Awareness Week, Talent Director Wendy Tomlinson said: "The wellbeing of our people has always been a priority and the last year has shown us how significant this has been for the legal sector. Mindfulness and wellbeing are core to our strategy, our values and emphasise the importance we place on our people. Everyone deserves a safe space to explore their feelings, experiences and the support to build their resilience. Our in-house clinics work towards providing more access and enable our people to exceed their potential."
The firm launched its in-house GP clinic in 2018, and followed with in-house physiotherapy support in 2019. It was also the first firm to give premium access to everyone to mindfulness app Headspace, and extended this support to its future trainees, vacation scheme students and families of its people at the height of the pandemic in 2020.
Dr Victoria Jenkins, Clinical Director from Change of Harley Street, commented: "As many as one in six of us experience some degree of mental health problem at work. We know the provision of better mental health support in the workplace can massively reduce the resulting negative effect on employees and their families. We have worked closely with Taylor Wessing for several years now, through our partnership with the Harley Street General Practice, so we know they have a genuine commitment to the health and wellbeing of their people. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to develop a more tailored and integrated service together.”
These are the latest wellbeing initiatives the firm has implemented as part of its strategy and commitment to mental health and wellbeing. The firm also launched an initiative to provide a full team of mental health first aiders and has now trained over 50 individuals officially accredited by Mental Health First Aid England. Additionally, a suite of mental resilience training is provided by clinical psychologist Dr Bill Mitchell, and is one of the firm's most successful training initiatives to date.
Notes to editors
Our approach to wellbeing
Maintaining a positive approach to disability, mental health and wellness in the workplace is of paramount importance to us. Central to this is a commitment to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and supporting everyone's general wellbeing.
Further information on our commitment to mental health and wellbeing can be found in our Responsible Business Impact report. Other distinct initiatives and support include:
- In May 2018 we opened our in-house GP clinic, which has since been recognised at the HR in Law Awards as the 2019 Best Health and Wellbeing Initiative
- In May 2019, Laurence Lieberman was appointed to the new role of a dedicated mental health and wellbeing partner
- The firm was recognised by Vitality and the FT as Britain's Healthiest Workplace in November 2019
- In January 2021, the firm initiated a walking from home, together challenge with hundreds taking part and raising £20k+ for St John Ambulance
- The firm continues to run regular wellbeing events for working parents with Family Matters
