“I am not alone”. Over 6,000 calls, one promise
Education Support’s free 24/7 helpline is a vital service, providing a listening ear for education staff facing personal and professional challenges. Over the past year our counsellors have answered over 6,000 calls!
Articles / 3 mins read
With clinical depression and suicide risk assessments on the rise, today our helpline is more crucial than ever.
“(It) made me feel I am not alone; the support is there when I need it. Heard me, accepted me, calmed me down and encouraged me very gently.”Helpline caller
Our helpline is staffed by qualified counsellors who can listen or offer support to education staff in need. September is Suicide Prevention Month, so we wanted to share why the helpline is such an integral part of our work, and why it matters so much right now.
In recent times due to growing external pressures and mental health taking a backseat within the role, many callers have seriously considered leaving teaching. And sadly, in more serious cases, 9% of callers have been critically assessed as ‘at risk of suicide’. We're facing a mental health crisis among education staff. But because of our supporters, the helpline is there, and teachers always have someone to turn to.
Our dedicated counsellors who have taken over 6,000 calls in the past year, recount how it feels to support someone in need:
“Education Support holds a special place in our hearts as counsellors. The helpline is a rare space for teachers, teaching assistants, support staff and leaders to speak freely-no matter what the problem is. Many use the line for holding support while waiting to access further things they may need. We aim to clarify with our callers their difficulties, their next steps, their available supportive people and moreover their hopes for the future.”Grace, helpline counsellor
Thanks to the helpline we can proudly say that 88% of callers felt that the call had a positive impact on their wellbeing, and 95% say they would call the helpline again. We don’t take these results for granted and our aim is to improve these numbers year on year.
If you need someone to talk to, you can reach our helpline on 08000 562 561.
Don’t wait for a crisis to call.
We’ll offer you immediate, emotional support.
08000 562 561
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