The effects of the recession and the high costs of the season ensured that calls received between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day were dominated by financial concerns, with teachers seeking advice on managing their money and enquiring about the charity’s financial assistance programme, which awarded £311,000 during 2009 compared to £230,436.66 in 2008 – an increase of 35 per cent.
Other pressures of the period became apparent on New Year’s Eve and Day, with many callers needing support over family concerns and personal issues.
Teacher Support Network Chief Executive, Julian Stanley, said: “Some of our callers simply have no one else they can talk to over the Christmas period and it is crucial that our charity is there whenever we are needed, providing vital support every day of the year.
“Teachers call for a wide variety of reasons, with some experiencing intense emotional difficulties that profoundly affect both their ability to teach and their own wellbeing. Calls over this period in particular have highlighted to us just how debilitating and widespread financial concerns and personal difficulties are amongst serving and retired teachers.
“Throughout 2010 we will continue to provide professional and effective support services to teachers across Great Britain as well as working with schools, governments and partners in education to address the causes of their concerns.”
The Contact Centre can be contacted on 08000 562 561. Staffed by trained counsellors with education expertise, all services are 24-hour, free and confidential.
