Education Today Education Today Magazine
Everyone working in education knows the frightening statistics. One in five young people* have a probable mental health disorder and teachers are finding themselves at the coal face of the UK’s mental health crisis with little or no resources to support them.
Endsleigh’s mental health and wellbeing support services are available 24/7, 365 days a year, not just for pupils, but for teachers, parents, and caregivers, and there are different levels of support to suit schools’ budgets.
Endsleigh’s Pupil Assistance Programme
Endsleigh currently provides more than one million students in the UK with in-the-moment mental health support through their school, college, university, or student accommodation provider. And because we understand that teachers and parents need guidance when supporting a young person with their mental health, our caregiver helpline which gives access to qualified counsellors is available to them any time of the day or night, 365 days a year.
What kind of support does our Pupil Assistance Programme provide?
With 24/7 access to qualified counsellors and a range of wellbeing tools and specialist resources aimed at 11–18 year olds, their teachers, parents, and guardians, the programme provides:
- Holistic approach
Designed to support not only pupils, but also those who are providing their care, such as teachers, school staff, parents, and guardians.
- Out of hours support
24/7 access to qualified counsellors with specialist knowledge of dealing with children and young people – support outside regular school hours.
- Digital support tools
Digital wellbeing support tools to help pupils, school staff, parents, and guardians – tools can be used at any time to suit the individual.
- Youth mental health first aid training
Build a network of mental health supporters with youth mental health first aid training for your staff and pupils aged 16 and above.
- Staff supervision sessions
Share concerns in a safe environment and gain valuable guidance and advice in group sessions with a qualified counsellor. For up to 12 members of staff.
- No waiting lists
Structured counselling available with no waiting lists. Faster support means children are less likely to miss out on school.
Our wellbeing programme is divided into modules so schools can choose specific solutions to suit their needs and their budget. The most popular services are:
24/7 Pupil and Caregiver Helpline
Immediate support when it’s needed.
Around the clock support, not only for 16-18 year olds, but for teachers, pastoral staff, parents, and guardians who need guidance when supporting a young person with their mental health. The helpline gives access to qualified counsellors 365 days a year, any time of the day or night, and includes risk protocols designed to support any existing services in place at your school.
“I spoke to a counsellor at around 3am on the student assistance program phone line when in crisis. She was warm, listened when I needed, talked when I needed, and was the first conversation I’ve had in months where I’ve not doubted the legitimacy of someone’s sincerity. I cannot speak highly enough of the support she gave. She was empathetic, encouraging and everything I could’ve hoped for from a support service. I’ve rang crisis lines before and she is far above standard, I do not feel there are words for the level of kindness and the impact it’s had on my wellbeing.”
July 2023. Student Assistance helpline.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
Proactive wellbeing support.
Create wellbeing warriors within your school and a network of wellbeing supporters. Take a proactive approach within your school community to learn the skills to spot triggers and signs of mental health issues and have the confidence to reassure and offer support. The training also gives you the tools to look after your own mental wellbeing. Pupils and school staff can become accredited youth mental health first aiders to support young people aged 8-18 years old.
“Very good course. Should be taken by every teacher in the country… the actual content was exceptionally important and useful and should be given to as many people as possible.”
September 2023. Youth Mental Health First Aid Training attendee.
Digital CBT Support
Online, counsellor guided support outside of school hours.
Accessible, impactful resource available to teachers, pupils, and parents/guardians outside of school hours. Delivered through a digital platform which uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help individuals to improve and encourage them to change the way they think and behave. A counsellor will provide guided support through the SilverCloud modules to ensure the best possible outcomes are achieved.
Staff Supervision Sessions
Online, group guided support for up to 12 members of staff.
Online discussion with a professional counsellor to discuss specific issues and themes that your teachers and other employees are currently facing. The counsellor will offer advice and guidance on key concerns in a supportive environment that’s aimed at building confidence amongst colleagues.
We can help you provide mental health support at a level that supports your budget. To find out more, email pupilwellbeing@endsleigh.co.uk or visit our pupil wellbeing website page.
Supporting schools to manage their risks
Endsleigh is passionate about supporting schools to manage their risks and provide safer environments for children and employees, whether it be through our wellbeing services, risk management and commercial insurances, or by protecting your finances and data through cyber security. In a recent webinar we talk about risk management and providing a holistic approach to school wellbeing. Please click on the image to find out more.
You can find more information on our Pupil Assistance Programme here or email us on pupilwellbeing@endsleigh.co.uk
