No one should suffer alone; mental health support and information is available to help you to look after your and your colleagues' wellbeing
Recent news reports and the extremely sad news of Ruth Perry, a headteacher who took her own life while awaiting the outcome of an Ofsted report, have highlighted the need to consider and look after our mental health.
Mental health for teachers and education staff - resources and helplines:
- Education Support has free telephone support and counselling from trained experts
- Education Support provide a FREE helpline for teachers and education workers to talk through all kinds of concerns: 08000 562 561
- Further information can be found online: Education Support helpline - free and confidential emotional support for teachers and education staff
- Education Support also provide resources for staff: Mental health & wellbeing resources for teachers, education staff & schools (educationsupport.org.uk)
- The Mental Health Foundation has a selection of top tips for teachers for creating mentally healthy schools. It explains that creating mentally healthy schools will always be a task for the whole school community rather than one individual
- Mental Health at Work has a range of resources to support employers in creating workplaces which support mental health
Crisis Services:
- Samaritans: Call: 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/
- NHS: Help for suicidal thoughts - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- CALM: https://www.thecalmzone.net/
- Mind: Helplines and listening services - Mind
For Schools that subscribe to the EAP via BCC
Discuss anything that is troubling you, whether it is personal difficulties or work-related issues. Whatever your situation, you can be sure of a supportive and constructive response. You are not alone.
- To access the EAP website, enter the User Name: schoolsbcc and Password: employee. Or call: 0808 168 2143 to speak to a helpline specialist.
- The EAP website also offers an online counselling facility available Mon-Fri, 8am- 10pm and weekends, 9am-5pm.
- If you are a manager, you can access dedicated support online, or via the helpline: 0808 168 2143.
Remember, NO ONE should suffer alone.