Teachers report improved sense of wellbeing following pilot project
St Richard Gwyn catholic high school is the first school in the county to partnership with mental health charity MIND, providing much needed sessions between staff and counsellors.
Following discussions with the school’s Headteacher David Blackwell, Mind in the Vale designed a bespoke service, which was delivered in-school in a dedicated, privately accessed room.
The reports showed an overall increase in staff wellbeing of 33 percent and these figures have even more significance and importance when considering that in 2022, the Teacher Wellbeing Index reported that 75% of all teaching staff across the UK are stressed.
Mr Blackwell delivered a presentation at the official opening ceremony on Monday and commended the support provided by MIND. He said: “Initially staff were a little reluctant to get involved but after a little encouragement a few people went to see the counsellor, Emma.
Emma and the MIND charity were brilliant. The wellbeing project they put together for staff has had a great impact, increased staff wellbeing, helping them to better manage the daily stresses of work and life.
With the pressures staff are under in schools, Mental health services are imperative, and it would be brilliant if Welsh Government were able to support a scheme such as this in all schools”.
Lead Counsellor, Emma Llewellyn said the partnership has been vital for the staff and pupils at the school, she said: “It has been a pleasure working on the wellbeing project at St Richard Gwyn.
Teaching staff are under increasing amounts of pressure and having this service on site has really helped them access the support they may not have had time for outside of work”.
Mind in Wales is working to ensure everyone in Wales has access to the mental health information, support and services they need and provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
People like Emma continue to improve the quality of life of those suffering with mental health problems. The charity agreed to trial the counselling sessions to see if they would have a positive impact on those that participated.
One anonymous participant said: “Being able to speak with Emma has been a massive help following personal issues. It has provided the opportunity to discuss experiences and gain advice/support from an impartial friendly face”.
Mind in the Vale of Glamorgan’s Executive Manager, Caroline Chapman added: “We recognise the immense pressures that teachers face and were eager to use our expertise to help support the wellbeing of the school’s staff.
Our approach to wellbeing is all about the individual, so it’s not a one size fits all service, we work closely with the person and look at all areas of their life”.
Looking at ways to support staff wellbeing and working with specialist organisations like Mind can have a significantly positive impact on staff mental health and wellbeing, staff retention and a better quality of teaching according to a recent report.
Cllr Rhiannon Birch said: “The well-being of staff and pupils is of paramount importance to the Vale of Glamorgan Council, and we support the partnership between Mind in the Vale and St Richard Gwyn High School.
The initiative has clearly had a positive impact and the Council hopes other schools follow suit”.
You can find out more about the services that MIND offer and any other relevant information on their website.