Identify and signpost support structures

Supporting staff wellbeing

On this page you can find information about:

• how you can support staff who may be struggling with their mental wellbeing

• how to ensure this support is effectively communicated and accessible

• resources and organisations that can provide help and guidance.

As well as identifying appropriate mental wellbeing support for all staff, it is important that this support is effectively communicated and accessible.

This is crucial for:

• ensuring staff know where to turn when they need help

• demonstrating your setting’s commitment to staff wellbeing

• promoting a culture of openness around mental wellbeing

• facilitating early intervention and support.

Levels of support

A comprehensive support offer should include different levels of support to address varying needs among staff. This might include universal, targeted and specialist support.

Universal support (for all staff)

This might include:

• a staff mental health and wellbeing plan and policy

• anonymous feedback systems

• drop-in sessions with senior leadership

• staff wellbeing events

• dedicated staff relaxation spaces

• non-work-related social activities

• modelling good working practices and self-care

• mental health information and resources.

Mentally Healthy Schools

Free mental health educational resources, including teaching materials, guidance and tools for education staff in primary, secondary and further education settings.

Explore Mentally Healthy Schools resources

Targeted support (for staff with mental health or safeguarding responsibilities)

This might include:

• mental health and wellbeing training

• supervision

• regular wellbeing check-ins using a peer-support model.

Anna Freud training for schools and colleges

Our evidence-based training courses have been written by mental health professionals and education experts. Every session is delivered by one of our highly experienced qualified trainers.

We offer both shorter and more intensive training courses for staff in primary schools, secondary schools, alternative provision settings, and further education colleges. This includes training on:

• reflective practice and supervision

• autism and wellbeing in schools

• parent and carer partnership training

• self-harm: leading whole-school prevention

• school attendance and mental wellbeing.

See more trainings on our website

Specialist support (for staff who require further support)

This might include:

• employee assistance programmes (available from Education Support)

• access to crisis support

• referrals to occupational health.

View the action planning guide

Communicating support to staff

Effective communication is key to ensuring staff are aware of and can easily access available support. Try to consider:

• visibility: make support options clearly visible and easily accessible

• variety: offer a range of support options to meet different needs

• clarity: communicate support structures regularly and clearly

• accessibility: ensure support is easy to access for all staff

• confidentiality: provide options for anonymous or confidential support.

Support can be communicated via:

• staff areas: use noticeboards or screens in staff rooms to display support information

• inductions and training: include mental wellbeing support information in staff inductions and regular training

• digital communication: share support options via staff bulletins and intranet pages

• resource directory: create and distribute a list of external support services.