TEACHERS have been getting mental health support thanks to workplace scheme devised by the West Midlands combined Authority.
Thrive at Work is a wellbeing programme which has signed up more than 400 organisations across the region and beyond.
As Covid puts new pressures on the workplace the scheme aims to help bosses support their employees’ mental health which may be affected by the current situation.
Teachers at Acocks Green Primary School met with the WMCA Mayor Andy Street this week and gave him a tour of their wellbeing hub which is used for a variety of activities to promote good mental health among staff, parents and the local people.
The Mayor said: “In the current climate people have many worries such as their health, their loved ones, and their employment situation. Thrive at Work can help address these and other issues to support our region’s workforce.”
“Because of their participation in Thrive at Work the school has introduced healthy lifestyle support for staff such as nutritional advice, mental wellbeing guidance and exercise classes. They also provide opportunities for staff to openly discuss issues affecting them.
“By keeping staff healthy and retaining employees the school has had less need for agency staff allowing it to operate more efficiently and have an attendance record of almost 100 per cent.”
Deputy headteacher Philippa Liversidge said: “We are looking at more physical movement opportunities, and we’ve trained staff who work in the office about how they posture themselves and provide them with ‘chairobics’ which was recommended by the Thrive team.
“We have also set up a ‘The Daily Mile’ ™ to walk along to keep active and some parents have even walked it as they wait to pick up their children, which shows Thrive at Work here is not just a workplace project but also a community project.
“We hope others will take up this programme; anybody thinking of taking up Thrive at Work will be supported, and I recommend it.”
