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Mental Health Briefing 6/2/25

In this week's briefing, you will find information on the AoC- ETF mental health and wellbeing programme, Education Support's Teacher Wellbeing Index 2024, and the 4S study.

AoC - ETF Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme

The ETF Mental Health and Wellbeing project is aimed at supporting all leaders in FE. The project, now in its third year, aims to provide resources and a space for leaders in FE to lead a culture change to embed mental health and wellbeing across their organisation. Below are details of an upcoming webinar and the most recent publication involved in the project.

Upcoming webinar: A strategic approach to finding authentic connections to overcome isolation, within a dispersed workforce and across rural FE communities

Join the ETF mental health webinar for FE leaders focusing on the mental health needs of marginalised and quieter voices in FE on Monday 10th February, 10.30am-12.00pm

Delegates will hear from the following panel of speakers:

  • Nikos Savvas, CEO, Eastern Education Group Trust – reflections on the challenges of cultivating connections in rural locations and ways the college group has worked to overcome these.
  • A leader from an independent training provider, TBC – an overview of how as a national training provider, they support their dispersed workforce to feel connected and reduce the risk of isolation.
  • Faye McGuiness, Director of Programmes, Education Support – advice on how to cultivate meaningful connections.

Following the three presentations, the webinar will split into breakout rooms for deeper discussion with the three speakers.

To book your place visit: Mental Health and Wellbeing | ETF Booking

Blog: Mental health: how to support those seeking sanctuary

The most recent publication is a blog by Rosie Tapsfield, Director of Operations at City of Sanctuary UK. In the blog Rosie recognises thatFE providers are often the anchor institution within a community, offering a safe and welcoming place to everyone.” You can read the full blog here: Mental health: how to support those seeking… | Association of Colleges.

Education Support's Teacher Wellbeing Index 2024

Education Support's annual Teacher Wellbeing Index provides an insight into the mental health and wellbeing of teachers and education staff working in the UK. Having entered it's 8th year, the survey of over 3,025 education staff has new insights on the impact of pupil and parent behaviour on staff morale and wellbeing.

The report outlines key recommendations for change for UK education departments. Immediate action must be taken to make teaching an attractive and satisfying career for talented graduates.


“Disturbingly high rates of stress, anxiety, and burnout continue to affect education staff, exacerbated by pupil and parent behaviour, and a lack of support for students from public services. The impact on teachers’ mental health is profound, and this must change. These issues point to deeper societal problems that extend beyond our schools and colleges."
- Sinéad Mc Brearty, Education Support CEO.

To read the report, as well as those from previous years, please click here.

Study Supporting Young People around Self Harm and Suicide

Researchers at the University of Exeter and the University of Bristol are conducting the 4S Study, an NIHR-funded research study about support for young people around suicide and self-harm. The aim of the study is to strengthen the support that organisations who work with young people can provide around self-harm and suicide prevention, and in response to a death by suicide.

The study will be comprised of focus group interviews with young people aged 14-21, and individual interviews with adults who work with young people. The questions will revolve around support received, improvement of existing provision, and what should be included in guidance for adults who provide support to young people.

If you have any questions regarding the study, please email Rowan Streckfuss Davis r.davis6@exeter.ac.uk

Use this link to complete the young people’s expression of interest form

Link to complete the adult stakeholder expression of interest form