Children’s charity Barnardo’s today launched a new website that will help support teacher wellbeing during the Covid pandemic.
The website, called Barnardo’s Education Community (BEC), will help teachers deal with “the immense strain they are under in managing their own experiences”.
The new resource is primarily focused on helping teachers throughout the UK support pupils who are experiencing mental health and wellbeing issues as a result of the pandemic.
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The charity says it wants the website to be a ”one-stop shop” where teachers can go for trauma-informed resources, support and advice about how to help children and young people cope with any issues they are experiencing, including feelings of loss, grief and bereavement caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus: Website to support pupil and teacher wellbeing
Barnardo’s chief executive Javed Khan said: “As a former teacher, I know just how difficult it can be to support children who are struggling with challenges at home or a history of trauma.
“In the age of Covid, this is so much harder, with many children falling behind in their learning during the lockdowns, facing anxiety and mental health problems, and worrying about their parents’ jobs or their grandparents’ health. On top of all this, teachers are facing huge pressures personally and professionally.”
A Barnado’s spokesperson said: “Crucially there is also a selection of resources for education professionals with a focus on both their wellbeing and that of their department.
“These will help them deal with the immense strain they are under in managing their own experiences, while also coping with the impact of secondary trauma through supporting children and young people.”
The website, funded by a grant from the Westminster Foundation, will continue after lockdown restrictions are relaxed.
