Pavlina’s story: I highly recommend the Staff Wellbeing Service in Wales by Education Support

My partner and I moved to Wales during the lockdown. I was a self-employed massage therapist and yoga teacher for about 10 years, based in London. Previously I had experience teaching English to adults and children in the Czech Republic.

I left everything behind and had to think of transferable skills I could use in a different sector. I did lots of research then undertook training courses in Safeguarding Children, Young People & Adults, Emergency First Aid and Introduction to Children & Young People Development.

An opportunity then came up to work as a learning support assistant (LSA) in primary and secondary schools in Carmarthenshire. Then when a permanent role for a teaching assistant (TA) came up in a local secondary school, I applied for it straight away. I got the job and never looked back!

I love working with children, teenagers and young people. I find it rewarding and challenging at the same time. I learn something new every day. Every day is busy and different. I often work with autistic children. They are great teachers and they teach me to be open-minded and compassionate and think outside of the box.

I also love learning about new things and doing lots of research in autism-friendly tools, mindfulness techniques and doing courses via the Open University to learn more and grow personally and professionally.

Last term, I found out about the Staff Wellbeing Service in Wales. This service is run by Education Support and funded by Welsh government, at no cost to staff. I attended ‘Putting yourself first - why stress matters’ a workshop for TAs and LSA’s and ‘Keep your cool as you menopause in school’, a masterclass for all education staff in Wales.

Chatting to health care professionals and colleagues from other schools during these sessions, and receiving advice and tips has helped me stay mentally and emotionally healthy. It is good to know there is support and help available and that no one is ever alone. I find it helpful and encouraging knowing other colleagues share my experiences. I believe sharing our stories and experiences helps get through tough times and stay on track.

I highly recommend Education Support services to all my colleagues. Since attending their funded staff wellbeing sessions in Wales I am using my time more wisely and focusing on what is important. I am also a better listener, especially when it comes to my colleagues who might struggle mentally or feel stressed.

It is definitely worth signing-up to Education Support’s termly newsletter updates, which keeps you up-to-date with their latest events. There is also a variety of free, expert-led resources on their website to help you stay mentally healthy, which I look looking forward to sharing with my colleagues, such as these helpful resources in English and Welsh.

Photo courtesy of Akhar Photography Llanstefan Castle