More than half of education professionals in Suffolk, including some at Felixstowe School and the area's primary schools, are not meeting their emotional and physical needs, potentially making them more likely to experience stress and mental ill health. 

Suffolk Mind's latest Emotional Needs Audit, gathered in partnership with Suffolk County Council, reveals that, of more than 900 people working in education just 47% said they are meeting their needs on average. 

In particular, people working in the education industry do not feel secure in all major areas of their lives, or like they have enough control and autonomy. They also don't feel they get enough energy, nutrition and pleasure from their diet, they are not doing enough physical activity, and they don't feel rested after sleep. Nearly half (45%) say their work situation is a main barrier to meeting these needs. 

Louise Harris (Picture: Suffolk Mind)

Louise Harris, Children, Families and Young People Training Manager at Suffolk Mind, said: "Teaching staff have been under additional pressures over the last few years in what is a challenging job already. 

"They were on the front line when the pandemic swept the globe and made huge efforts to keep children learning throughout. 

"It is concerning that so many teachers and others in the education industry in the county feel they are not meeting their emotional and physical needs, as this can lead to increased stress and in turn lead to mental ill-health." 

It comes just weeks after teachers agreed to a 6.5% pay rise following years of tense discussions with government and a number of walk outs. Education professionals are returning to a new school year with additional pressures over school building safety adding to their list of concerns. 

Suffolk Mind's latest Emotional Needs Audit asked almost 12,000 people across Suffolk to rate how well they are meeting their emotional and physical needs. 

These needs include sleep, food and drink, movement, security, community and achievement. 

Louise added: "Working in education is often a high-pressure environment, so it is crucial people take the time to find small ways to meet their needs and Suffolk Mind can help teachers to identify what these needs are and how to meet them so that they can feel well 

"Too much stress for a prolonged period of time can develop into anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges, as well as causing physical symptoms." 

Suffolk Mind has developed courses and resources for teachers to help them support their mental health at work, as well as that of the children in their care.  

For more information on the support available, visit www.suffolkmind.org.uk/working-with-children.