Free self-care course for teaching staff launched

The National Counselling Society (NCS) has created a self-care course specifically designed for educators, in response to the growing issue of mental ill health in teaching staff.

According to a recent survey by NASUWT, 90% of teachers have experienced more work-related stress in the last 12 months; 91% report that their job has adversely affected their mental health in the last 12 months; 64% report that their job has adversely affected their physical health in the last 12 months.

Research by the HSE shows that teaching is one of the most stressful professions, with high levels of burnout, anxiety, and depression reported among educators. The pandemic has only added to the stress, with many teachers struggling to balance their workload, adapt to online learning, and support their students through unprecedented challenges.

The NCS's self-care course aims to provide teachers with practical tools and techniques for managing their mental health and wellbeing, as one small part of the range of support and changes needed within the education sector. The course covers a range of topics, guiding teachers to identify their own self-care needs, giving them the knowledge to know when self-care is vital, and provides resources to help them build their self-care habits.

"We know that teaching can be a demanding and stressful profession, and that many teachers are struggling with their mental health as a result," says Jyles Robillard-Day, CEO of the National Counselling Society. "That's why we've created this self-care course specifically for educators. We want to support teachers in looking after their own wellbeing, so they can continue to do their vital work in supporting the next generation."

The course is based on the latest research in mental health and wellbeing, and has been developed in consultation with experts in the field of education and counselling. It includes written materials and resources, as well as interactive exercises, and can be accessed online from anywhere in the country, at any time.

The NCS is encouraging all teaching staff to take advantage of the course, and to prioritise their own mental health and wellbeing. "Teaching is a tough job, and it's important that we take care of ourselves if we're going to be able to take care of our students," says Robillard-Day. "We hope that this course will be a valuable resource for all educators, and that it will help to improve mental health and wellbeing across the teaching profession."