Talking to colleagues about their mental health

About this resource

This guide explores why it is important for FE staff to feel able to seek and ask for help when they need it. It explains how to approach conversations about mental health with colleagues and signposts to further support where required.

The resource draws on evidence and sector insight to highlight the value of open conversations in creating environments where people feel valued, cared for and psychologically safe.

It also considers the barriers that can make it difficult to talk about mental health in FE settings, such as stigma and workload pressures, and why addressing these challenges is key to building a positive culture.

Using this resource:

This resource is designed for: 

FE and Skills leaders working across colleges, training providers and multi-site settings

mental health leads supporting staff wellbeing in FE settings.

Learning outcomes

This resource addresses the following learning outcomes:

Access and utilise tools, strategies and resources to support their own mental health so that they can look after themselves.

Identify and utilise tools, strategies and resources to confidently engage staff to help promote and support their mental health and wellbeing.

Share simple evidence-based strategies and exercises with staff and pupils/students to help them manage their mental health and develop their own coping strategies.