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In times of trouble

TSN provides support for all teachers in the UK. Julian Stanley explains how.

If pupils need some emotional support, they will probably turn to a trusted teacher, but where can teachers turn?

The Teacher Support Network is the only independent charity providing practical and emotional support to teachers and it is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Our work complements that of the NUT. We offer crisis intervention (coaching, counselling, money advice and grants) and prevention (working on policy, research and campaigns to improve the status and recognition of teachers).

NUT members are particularly important to us as we began life as the union’s benevolent fund 135 years ago. We serve all teachers, but have a special relationship with the NUT – indeed last year, for example, we gave £44,000 in grants to members.

We are also grateful for the generous donations we receive from NUT divisions and associations, as well as individual members. These ensure we can provide a high quality service.

Who do we help?

We help all teachers and lecturers at any type of school, college or university, at whatever point in their career. We also help teachers’ families and dependents.

How do we help?

We know teaching is a challenging, profession. We provide coaching, counselling, money advice, grants, and information on issues ranging from bereavement to mental illness. We run support lines, where our 135 years of experience help us to help teachers resolve their problem, either through coaching or when necessary with up to six telephone counselling sessions.

We also offer an array of online materials that allow you to access the help and information you need yourself. In Wales many of these services, including the support line, are bilingual.

If we cannot help you or it is more appropriate for you to get help from elsewhere, for example from your union, we will point you in the right direction.

Is it free and is it confidential?

All our services are free and confidential. All our coaches and counsellors have a thorough understanding of the education sector and the needs of teachers. They receive regular training and all our services are audited for quality purposes.

Amy’s story

Amy, an NQT, was having difficulty managing her time. She felt so stressed she was making herself sick and was too scared to tell her line manager.

Teacher Support Network helped Amy with coaching and counselling, so she could understand and manage her responses. We helped her develop a plan to regain control of the situation, including advising her to see her GP and explaining that she could call or email us at any time. Amy’s sickness has stopped now and she is feeling back in control.

Getting in touch

Call the support line on 08000 562 561 (England), 08000 855 088 (Wales) or 0808 802 03 04 (FE/HE). Email us through www.teachersupport.info  Follow us on twitter @teachersupport or find us on Facebook.

• Julian Stanley is TSN Chief Executive.