Written by former Bupa Global and UK CEO, David Hynam
One of the really important aspects of recent events has been the long overdue recognition of key workers.From care workers, doctors and nurses, through to postal staff and retail workers, people have played an essential part in keeping the country going. Teachers and wider school staff have played an absolutely crucial role.
With schools and nurseries starting their phased return this week, there’s an even greater need to support teachers’ mental health. Research from the charity Education Support suggests that nearly three quarters of teachers are regularly stressed and that more than half of all education professionals have considered leaving the sector due to pressures on their wellbeing.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the need for mental health support. I’m very proud that the Bupa UK Foundation is working with the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools – part of Leeds Beckett University – to develop a free seminar series to advise on the mental wellbeing of staff, pupils and the wider community as schools welcome back more students .
For anyone working in schools I’d really recommend a look - the seminars are available here. One of the seminars features Dr Luke James, Medical Director for Bupa Global & UK on how school leaders can best support their teams and students. Our specialist mental health nurse, Caroline Harper, also provides very helpful advice for pupils’ mental wellbeing.
Later this year the Bupa UK Foundation will launch a free Wellbeing for Educators programme which is currently in pilot. The workshops provide proven, practical tools to enable school staff to manage wellbeing and workload.
Supporting the mental wellbeing of educators has never been so important.
