An international charity day highlighting the pressures faced by solicitors has been extended into a month-long campaign.
The Solicitors’ Charity has confirmed it is continuing its International Day of Charity throughout September.
Recognising that solicitors are often the people others rely on during periods of “pressure, uncertainty and significant personal change”, the campaign works to show that behind that professional role they each have their own personal lives and struggles too.
At the centre of the campaign is a new animated film showing a confident solicitor supporting a client while hidden personal worries begin to appear.
As these pressures overlap, the solicitor connects with a case manager from The Solicitors’ Charity.
A wider network then forms behind them, representing the partners, donors, firm friends, law societies, firms and individuals whose contributions make the charity’s work possible.
The film closes with the campaign message: Behind every solicitor is a person. Behind them is a charity that gives.
For 168 years, The Solicitors’ Charity has supported solicitors and their dependents through emotional, physical, professional and financial challenges.
Its case managers provide confidential and tailored support, taking time to “understand each individual’s circumstances” and helping them “identify a practical way forward”.
Nick Gallagher, CEO of The Solicitors’ Charity, said: “International Day of Charity is an important opportunity to recognise the difference charities make, but our work and the need for support extend far beyond a single day.
“That is why we are using the whole of September to shine a light on the people behind the legal profession, demonstrate the impact of our work and celebrate the collective network that makes it possible.
“Solicitors are often the people others turn to when life becomes difficult. This campaign is a reminder that they may need support too, and that the profession can play an important role in ensuring it remains funded and available.”
Each week of the campaign will focus on a different part of that story.
The first week recognised the individual behind the professional role and the pressures they may be carrying. The second week showcased the work of The Solicitors’ Charity and the support it delivers.
Meanwhile the third week will celebrate the donors, firm friends, partners, law societies, firms and individuals who help sustain that work.
To conclude, the final week will encourage firms to review their residual client balances and consider donating funds that might otherwise remain unused.
These balances can be transformed into meaningful support for solicitors and their dependents when life takes an unexpected turn.
The month-long campaign will run across social media, digital content and partner channels and will be supported by an animated film, social carousel, impact stories, articles and targeted communications.
The Solicitors’ Charity is encouraging organisations and individuals across the profession to raise awareness, refer people who may need help, donate, become a firm friend, or explore how residual client balances could support its work. Find out more at https://thesolicitorscharity.org/play-your-part/
