Loneliness - A guide for teachers and education staff

For Mental Health Awareness Week 2022, Education Support in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation has produced a guide to support teachers and education staff with the experience of loneliness.

Loneliness is something we can all experience, at any point of our lives. We can feel lonely, whether we are alone or surrounded by people. It’s also worth remembering that spending time alone doesn’t mean we are lonely. Time alone can be essential for our wellbeing.

Research has shown chronic or long-term feelings of loneliness can lead to both physical and mental health problems.

It is crucial that those working in education recognise the signs of loneliness in themselves and others, so they build connections or access support if they need to.

In this guide for teachers and education staff we unpack the concept of loneliness; what it is, the different types of loneliness, and explore some ways to support ourselves and peers.