Staff Health and Wellbeing

By enhancing staff mental health and wellbeing, schools will be investing in their future by increasing staff retention rates and ensuring a consistent teaching experience for children and young people.

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A key part of the Whole School Approach to Emotional and Mental wellbeing is recognising the vital importance of ensuring that adults involved in Children and Young People's Emotional and Mental Health also feel supported and empowered in their own.

We have developed/collected the resources here below to support that effort. Check out our dedicated Staff Zone for more!

‘Switching off over summer’

Have you seen Education Support's recent webinar yet 'Switching off over summer'? Watch now for takeaway tips and techniques, ready to make the most of your well-deserved summer holiday. ...Read more

“June Tired”

It is not uncommon to hear teachers and other educators talk about being “June tired” — the way they typically feel in June after a full...Read more

#DerbyMHWB22

A brilliant time was had at the first conference of the year. Great speakers and representatives. @DerbyOppArea @beingbrilliant @actnforchildren @DCCTSuperSchool @BridgetheGapFW @musicmind www.tambaroy.com @kooth_plc @catharsisbiz @myinternalworld @Andrew_BlackAOB . ...Read more

#International Women’s day#2022

#KindnessMatters

NB: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/ Did you know kindness can help reduce stress and improve our emotional wellbeing? Research shows that being kind has clear benefits for our mental health. Find out more about what these benefits are from the kindness matters guide ...Read more

#SelfCareSummer – Anna Freud NCCF@AFNCCF

Are you ready for #SelfCareSummer? We have created packs for schools to help young people find strategies to support their mental health and wellbeing over the holidays, and we have also created a self-care toolkit for staff. Download now ...Read more

#StressAwarenessMonth

It's #StressAwarenessMonth and @StressMgtSoc are encouraging everyone to pick one action for their physical, mental and emotional ...Read more

#WorldKindnessDay

World Kindness Day is coming up on November 13th. Follow the link for some help...Read more

12 Days of Winter Wellbeing

Head over to twitter and check out their 12 tips for winter wellbeing. Here is Day 1. ...Read more

5 Ways to Wellbeing

NB: www.mentalhealth-uk.org The ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ are a set of pillars which are key to improving our mental health. Modelled by the New Economics Foundation, they’re geared around themes of social connectedness, physical activity, awareness, learn...Read more

6 days to go.. #WMHD

Don't forget to purchase you green badge in support of #worldmentalhealthday The green ribbon is the symbol of mental health awareness. ...Read more

Action for Happiness

Even when facing difficult times, we can still take positive steps forward and find reasons to be hopeful Join https://actionforhappiness.org/january for ...Read more

Advice for loneliness

#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek#IveBeenThere#Lonliness Here is some practical advice and tips on how to help yourself or others if you or they are feeling lonely. 1. Keep in touch with those around you Talk to friends and family. Sometimes a fr...Read more

#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek#IveBeenThere#Lonliness

Here is some practical advice and tips on how to help yourself or others if you or they are feeling lonely.

1. Keep in touch with those around you

Talk to friends and family. Sometimes a friendly chat can make a big difference, whether someone is around the corner or further away.

Whether you choose to meet up in person, or chat on the phone, via video calls or on social media, all contact can help remind you that you are not alone.

Make sure to check in regularly – most of us love hearing from people we have lost contact with. Creating a routine of checking in with others and being more sociable can be good, as it can make it easier to reach out at the time you feel lonely.

Messaging old friends or colleagues, or setting up a group chat on a messaging app like WhatsApp or Messenger may help them and you feel more connected.

2. Join a group

Find a group with a shared interest. Being part of an offline or online group or club is a great way to make connections and meet people. Think about activities that you would like to try out and look for groups centred around these.

The people around you may also be able to introduce you to a group they belong to. This could be anything, from gaming and singing to cooking or sport.

Also remember to be welcoming to newcomers and seek to involve others in the conversation, especially those who may be lacking confidence.

3. Do things you enjoy

Filling your time doing more things you like can stop you from focusing on feelings of loneliness and is good for your wellbeing.

Spending time outdoors in green space, doing exercise and listening to podcasts and radio shows are just some of the ways to boost your mood and occupy your mind.

4. Share your feelings – but do not compare

Being able to talk about how you feel with others can help with loneliness, and hearing a familiar voice or seeing a friendly face makes us feel less isolated.

However, try not to compare yourself with others. Remember that many people may only share the good things happening to them on social media, so comparing can make you feel lonelier.

Plus, we can never be sure of what someone else is going through.

5. Help someone else feel connected

Reach out to others – think about people you know who might be feeling lonely and make an effort to connect with them.

Remember that feeling lonely for a long time can make it harder for people to make new connections. It may be difficult for people experiencing loneliness to respond to your friendly contact at first, so be patient and kind.

Try to keep in touch with those around you too. If you pass neighbours or acquaintances on the street, take the time to smile, wave and chat. You could offer to swap phone numbers or create a local group chat to stay connected.

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/lifes-challenges/loneliness/

Boundaries, Rest and Letting go

NB: EducationSupport We’re bringing together a panel of experienced #teachers, #HR leads and ...Read more

Burnout: recognising the signs and protecting yourself

NB: www.educationsupport.org.uk The term burnout was originally coined in the 1970s to describe the consequences of ‘severe stress and high ideals’ among the helping professions. These are fields where many feel a high level of moral purpose, a dedication to making a diffe...Read more

Derby City Schools Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference

“Securing a strong mental health and wellbeing culture for your pupils and staff” Tuesday 15th March 2022 9am-3.45pm at Pride Park Stadium DE24 8XL This conference is for Designated Senior Mental Health Leads, Senior Leaders, Past...Read more

Derby OA Inclusion Conference & Showcase

Schools are invited to attend the following conferences. Places are funded through the OA Inclusion Programme so they’re free to attend and schools are welcome to bring along several members of staff including Head Teachers, Senior Leaders, Behaviour Leads, SENCOs, Pastoral Leads, Governors, T...Read more

Derby Wellbeing 365

Derby's school staff can access free wellbeing support via the new Derby Wellbeing 365 website: ...Read more

Do you know about the 5 Ways to Wellbeing?

There are simple ways that we can all use to make a difference to the way we feel, think and react to life’s ups and downs. The 5 Ways to Wellbeing are tried and tested actions to improve both mental and physical wellbeing. It takes a bit of practice to build them into your life, but...Read more

Don’t forget to book on….

Derby City Schools Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference Securing a strong mental health and wellbeing culture for your pupils and staff Tuesday 15th March 202...Read more

Emotional Health Training Newsletter

https://derbyandderbyshireemotionalhealthandwellbeing.uk/ Emotio...Read more

Emotional Support

Education Support @EdSupportUK Don't forget. Our free and confidential helpline is here for you and your colleagues throughout the summer. 08000 562 561. Call us. We’ll listen. ...Read more

Evidence-informed solutions to improve student and staff mental health

NB: www.mentallywellschools.co.uk Follow the link for a wealth of resources. https://mentallywellschools.co.uk/free-resources/?nowprocket=1 ...Read more

Exercise can be a great way to boost your wellbeing.

What can you do to get active over the summer? #SelfCare#MentalHealthAwareness ...Read more

Feeling Stressed?

NB: Nhs.co.uk Every Mind Matters Stress is something everyone feels at times, and there are all kinds of stressful situations that can be a part of daily life. Low-level stress can even be helpful or motivat...Read more

NB: Nhs.co.uk Every Mind Matters

Stress is something everyone feels at times, and there are all kinds of stressful situations that can be a part of daily life. Low-level stress can even be helpful or motivational.There are plenty of things you can do to help cope with stressful events, and simple steps you can take to deal with feelings of stress or burnout.

We also have specific tips and expert advice to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing if you are feeling stressed or anxious about coronavirus (COVID-19).

What is stress?

Stress is the body's reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. It's very common, can be motivating to help us achieve things in our daily life, and can help us meet the demands of home, work and family life.But too much stress can affect our mood, our body and our relationships – especially when it feels out of our control. It can make us feel anxious and irritable, and affect our self-esteem.

Experiencing a lot of stress over a long period of time can also lead to a feeling of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, often called burnout.

Top tips to deal with stress and burnout

Split up big tasks

If a task seems overwhelming and difficult to start, try breaking it down into easier chunks, and give yourself credit for completing them.

Allow yourself some positivity

Take time to think about the good things in your life. Each day, consider what went well and try to list 3 things you're thankful for.

Challenge unhelpful thoughts

The way we think affects the way we feel. Watch our video to learn how to challenge unhelpful thoughts.

Reframing unhelpful thoughts video

Be more active

Being active can help you to burn off nervous energy. It will not make your stress disappear, but it can make it less intense.

Home workout videos

Talk to someone

Trusted friends, family and colleagues, or contacting a helpline, can help us when we are struggling. Watch our video for more ideas.

Social connection video

Plan ahead

Planning out any upcoming stressful days or events – a to-do list, the journey you need to do, things you need to take – can really help.

All the above information can be reached at https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/stress/

Five ways to increase your happiness in 2022

NB: https://www.artofbrilliance.co.uk/ Top tips from the young teachers from Danielle aged 4 ...Read more

From Mental Health to Mental Wealth

www.artofbrilliance.co.uk At the art of brilliance their NEW Wellbeing Award can transform your team’s mental health! They want people to feel confident, resilient, creative, motivated, empathetic, agile, & who have real purpose in their lives. This programme equips them! Full d...Read more

Have you booked your place?

Derby-City-Schools-Mental-Health-and-Wellbeing-Conference...Read more

Listen to this year’s #MentalHealthMinute

NB: www.giveusashout.org Over 500 radio stations across the UK united at 10:59am on Friday 14th May to play this year's #MentalHealthMinute in unison. This year’s Minute featured the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, David Beckham, Dame Shirley Bassey, Joanna Lumley, ...Read more

Looking after your Mental Health

NB: www.mentalhealth.org.uk Mental Health.org have lots of how-to... guides which include lots of evidence-based information on different ways that you can help to look after your mental health. They're all free to read online and download, or you can buy printed c...Read more

Mental Health & Wellbeing in 5 simple steps

The Anna Freud Centre launched its free 5 Steps to Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework, which is an evidence-based tool which supports you to decide ...Read more

Mental Health & Wellbeing resources

A whole host of great resources to support you individually and your colleagues on Education support's new revamped website. https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/resources/ ...Read more

Mental Health in an Unequal World

3 days to go..... Follow the link for a free downloadable document with educational content, with the help of collaborators from all over the world. www.wmhd2021.com/index.php ...Read more

Mental Health Masterclasses

NB: leedsbeckett.ac.uk Please note there is a cost for the masterclasse...Read more

Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Awareness Week resources. Check out this selection of @beingbrilliant books. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek#Lonliness NB: Paid for resources ...Read more

Mental health resources for children, students, parents, carers and school/college staff

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk ...Read more

Mental Health Support for Derby City Staff

All Derby City employees can use the below log in details to access a wide range of free support through an EAP (Employee Assistance Programme). Services available range from Online Counselling, news stories/case studies, help with money management and much more. ...Read more

Mental Health Tips 2023

Happy New Year from Emotionally Healthy Schools. 🎆 http://MentalHealth.org.uk share some tips to help you protect your mental health in 2023: ...Read more

MHFA England – 2022 Round-up:

Mental Health First Aid England would like to share their top five most downloaded resources to help benefit you and your workplaces wellbeing throughout 2023. https://t.co/WHFWMxzLAe ...Read more

Monthly Mindfulness

https://derbyandderbyshireemotionalhealthandwellbeing.uk/ For Derbyshire and Derby City Professionals working with Children and Young People and Council Employees: Friday 30 July 2021 – 14:00 -15:00...Read more

My Whole Self MOT

We know that at this time of year juggling work and home life can be stressful. Why not use our My Whole Self MOT tool to check in with yourself and support others during this busy time. https://bit.ly/3kr5W58...Read more

Nutrition and Mood

NB: First Steps Delivered by Grace Taylor from First Steps Eating Disorders Nutrition and Mood is CPD accredited training that explores influential factors such a...Read more

Prioritising Staff Mental Health & Wellbeing

Want to show your commitment to staff mental health and wellbeing? Make a start with Education Support's planning tool ...Read more

Prioritising your Mental Health and wellbeing as School staff

A moment to prioritise your mental health and wellbeing! This free interactive online webinar event is designed to be a moment for you to reflect on the ways you look after your mental health and wellbeing, find out tips on building more opportunities for rest in your ...Read more

Questions for school leaders and governors

Below are a number of useful questions for School Leaders and Governors to consider when implementing policies, procedures and guidance relating to the emotional and mental health of their staff. They cover topics are such as Governance, confidence, support, training and a whole schoo...Read more

Rest & Recovery

NB: https://t.co/uUBXG8uHkS ...Read more

School leaders wellbeing support

Education support are offering limited free spaces to services focused on improving your mental health and wellbeing. Please follow the link www.educationsupport.org.uk/helping-your-staff/school-leaders-wellbeing-service ...Read more

School Mental Health Specialist -DFE Assured

@Minds_Ahead - Train whilst you work. When we researched the School Mental Health Specialist programme, we found that headteachers want to have a member of staff on site, working for them as a part of their team, trained in ...Read more

Self care Sunday

NB: Education Support Self care Sunday – take time for yourself to relax and recharge. It's absolutely ok to do so ...Read more

Self-Care isn’t selfish

As a new academic year begins remember selfcare is not selfish. Read below how to prioritise selfcare: https://t.co/F6tTojGHHy?amp=1 ...Read more

Seven strategies for managing anxiety

NB: educationsupport.org.uk Psychotherapist, Ben Amponsah outlines seven key strategies to help teachers and education staff to manage anxiety during the coronavirus crisis. (This was put together on the first Lockdown) Still relevant today. ...Read more

Shout’s ‘Little book of coping skills’

Shout 85258’s ‘Little Book of Coping Skills’ as seen from the things our texters tell Shout Volunteers they’ll do to help them feel better after a conversation. Whether you’re feeling anxious, stressed, worried, overwhelmed or low, this booklet has plenty of tips and techniqu...Read more

Something quick to try…

The experience of happiness rises if you, once a day, write down, draw or think about 3 good things about yourself and your life - big or small. It could be thoughts, experiences or actions. You have to do it every day at the end of the day for at least a month in order to feel the effect, and t...Read more

Staff Wellbeing – A Whole School Approach

MentallyHealthySchools.org has a raft of resources, starting points, questions and ideas that can help schools develop and embed a Whole School Approach across the entire scope of the school - including governance and leadership, school culture and environment, creating a Wellbeing policy, and 1...Read more

Stress Awareness Day

NB: www.stress.org.uk/free-resources-2021 ...Read more

Stress-busting tips: how to stay calm and in control

Education Support's webinar will offer practical advice and support for teachers and education staff. Follow the link to book your place: ...Read more

Support is available

Supporting each other:

How staff can help each other with mental health and wellbeing ...Read more

Supporting each other: how staff can help each other with mental health and wellbeing

Get yourself booked onto this free webinar taking place: Tuesday 8th February 4-5pm 🕔 Get your FREE ticket here: https://t.co/CsmkEW4O36 ...Read more

Taking Care of Teachers

NB: Education Support Get the tools you need to create a school culture that prioritises the mental health and wellbeing of teachers & all staff including: Staff wellbeing audit Mental health plan template Chec...Read more

Teacher wellbeing

www.educationsupport.org.uk As you prepare for the Summer break watch this webinar to support your wellbeing during this period. ...Read more

Teacher Wellbeing

There's still time for you to get your ticket for Education Support webinar tomorrow, hosted with @AcademyTrust! Hear from their panel of experts and find out how to prioritise mental health and wellbeing in schools. Get your free ticket now ...Read more

Teacher Wellbeing

Art of Brilliance, a local Derby company, has been commissioned by the Opportunity Area Board to provide ad...Read more

The art of giving up…

NB: Dr Andy Cope @beingbrilliant An interesting blog post... ...Read more

The fifth Wellbeing Workout session is today at 4pm!

The Wellbeing Workout is designed as a mental health ‘6-pack...Read more

The wait is over…

NB: educationsupport.org.uk The wait is over - our latest Teacher Wellbeing Index is now live! This report provides an insight into working lives of teachers and education staff under the shadow of Covid-19. Read it here: ...Read more

The Wellbeing Workout kicks off today at 4pm……

The Wellbeing Workout is designed as a mental health ‘6-pack’. The 6 webinar programme is designed to equip you with knowledge, skills and know-how to upgrade to ‘best possible self’ more often... and it starts today at 4pm.The We...Read more

Time to talk day

@Rethink_@MindCharity #TimeToTalkDay Make space on February 2 to talk to someone about Mental Health. Talk about how you fe...Read more

Top 5 tips for avoiding back-to-school burnout

NB: www.educationsupport.org Victoria Hewett, teacher, education blogger and author of 'Making it as a a Teacher,' shares tips to help maintain your wellbeing in the new school year. ...Read more

Top tips to look after your Mental Health throughout the School day.

Top tips to support children and young people

NB: www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters Some children and young people would have enjoyed being off school, while others will have really struggled, keeping them at home and away from friends. Others may be coming to terms with family problems, loss or changes to their living situat...Read more

Upcoming FREE webinars on mental health in school and colleges

Webinars for teachers, school and college leaders https://t.co/Ol7szcoijW?amp=1 ...Read more

Wellbeing & Mental Health of Teachers & Education Staff

NB: www.educationsupport.org.uk Education Support offer a range of free support to all school staff . They promote this service as much as possible in Mental Health Leads’ Network meetings and receive nothing but excellent feedback on the articles and helpline support that ...Read more

Wellbeing workout reminder, second session is today.

The second Wellbeing Workout session is today at 4 pm...Read more

What are you doing to look after yourself this weekend?

NB: www.educationsupport.org ...Read more

What is stress?

NB: Stress Management Society Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your to-do list seems endless, deadlines are fast approaching and you find yourself saying ‘Eek! I feel stressed!’? But what is stress really, and...Read more

NB: Stress Management Society

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your to-do list seems endless, deadlines are fast approaching and you find yourself saying ‘Eek! I feel stressed!’? But what is stress really, and how does it affect us?

April has been Stress awareness month:

The Stress Management Society - Stress Head

Firstly, let’s debunk one myth: stress is not necessarily a ‘bad’ thing. Without this brilliant ability to feel stress, humankind wouldn’t have survived. Our cavemen ancestors, for example, used the onset of stress to alert them to a potential danger, such as a sabre-toothed tiger.

Stress is primarily a physical response. When stressed, the body thinks it is under attack and switches to ‘fight or flight’ mode, releasing a complex mix of hormones and chemicals such as adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine to prepare the body for physical action. This causes a number of reactions, from blood being diverted to muscles to shutting down unnecessary bodily functions such as digestion.

Through the release of hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine, the caveman gained a rush of energy, which prepared him to either fight the tiger or run away. That heart pounding, fast breathing sensation is the adrenaline; as well as a boost of energy, it enables us to focus our attention so we can quickly respond to the situation.

In the modern world, the ‘fight or flight’ mode can still help us survive dangerous situations, such as reacting swiftly to a person running in front of our car by slamming on the brakes.

The challenge is when our body goes into a state of stress in inappropriate situations. When blood flow is going only to the most important muscles needed to fight or flee, brain function is minimised. This can lead to an inability to ‘think straight’; a state that is a great hindrance in both our work and home lives. If we are kept in a state of stress for long periods, it can be detrimental to our health.

Fight

When your body goes into a state of stress, we may feel agitated and aggressive towards others; this can be due to our bodies’ natural reaction being “fight”. This can be a helpful reaction to ward off predators, but in unnecessary situations, it can negatively affect relationships and ruin reputations.

Flight

Some of us avoid our stressors, removing ourselves from the situation instead of tackling it. This can be a sign of the “flight” survival instinct; a function that can save our lives if we find ourselves in dangerous surroundings. However, in everyday life, this natural instinct can lead to a stressful situation escalating, and increase our stress levels when we realise that the stressor isn’t going away and we need to face it.

Freeze

Unknown by many, there is a third mode that stress can cause; freeze. For some people, becoming stressed sets the stage for ‘dysregulation’. The energy mobilized by the perceived threat gets “locked” into the nervous system and we ‘freeze’. This response sometimes reveals itself when we breathe. Holding our breath and shallow breathing are both forms of freeze. The occasional deep sigh is the nervous system catching up on its oxygen intake.

Please visit https://www.stress.org.uk/individual-stress-test/

You will be asked a series of multiple choice lifestyle questions around common stressors. At the end of the test you will be given a score and a personalised report with recommendations

(The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website)

Workplace Culture Change

NB: Mental Health First Aid England How often do you check in with your colleagues about their wellbeing? Our #MyWholeSelf MOT is a free guide that will help you check in on your own and others’ mental h...Read more

Your Mental Health

A range of content designed to give you more information about mental health and to help you to look after your mental health. There are podcasts, videos, inspiring stories and information about getting help if you're struggling. ...Read more

Your Mind Plan

This quiz was developed by public health England as a part of their ‘Every Mind Matters’ campaign. It includes 5 quick questions which, depending on your answers, will help build you a practical plan that you can use to maintain and improve your mental health and wellbeing. Take th...Read more

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Staff Zone