Mental health and wellbeing

The NEU cannot offer medical advice or counselling but can work to improve the work environment to reduce stress and triggers for ill health. 

What can help me stay happy and healthy?

Work-related stress is extremely prevalent within the teaching profession and can lead to health problems such as depression, anxiety and insomnia. Employers have a duty to risk assess workplaces, including establishing and addressing the causes of work-related stress.

Mental health conditions are common, so no one should feel isolated or stigmatised for seeking help. Early intervention is recognised as facilitating recovery, so if there are signs of a developing mental health condition, consider seeking help at the earliest opportunity.

Employees with mental health conditions may be classed as disabled under the Equality Act 2010, and if this is the case, employers have duties to make ‘reasonable adjustments’. 

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Mental Health Charter

This charter, including a model policy, is intended as a focal point around which staff and school/college leaders may collectively develop tools and strategies specific to their needs and aimed at reducing stress.

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