Out of Classroom – Out of Mind?

Our education profession is packed full of wonderful teachers, classroom assistants, nurses, support staff, school-based counsellors, caterers and coaches, all wanting to do the best they can by the pupils and students they serve.

So why might we assume that would cease to be at the point term time is paused?

Isn’t it somewhat naïve or arrogant to assume that a school-based professional would simply park their inherent concerns, and unfailing compassion, the moment school or college is put into a state of postponement?

Right now, as the world faces up to the Coronavirus pandemic, and we all do our bit to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and well, it’s natural that we’re focusing our immediate concerns close to home.

But that doesn’t mean teachers and school staff will stop the recognition of their duty of care to their student population.

Even whilst away from classrooms and lecture theatres, those same academic and wellbeing staff will be wondering about the physical and mental health of those they’re no longer physically seeing on a daily basis.

Indeed now, more than ever, it’s key that this support and empathy – however distant – should be retained.

When a person is experiencing an eating disorder, the sudden shift in daily routine, coupled with extreme anxiety about worldwide events, is bound to cause significant distress.

Alongside this, of course, many will be experiencing one of the following additional features in their daily lives:

• Families thrust together on lockdown
• Isolation from significant family members (particularly in respect of university students or boarding pupils unable to travel home pre lockdown)
• Families under financial pressures in the wake of the economic impact
• Parental stresses and increased relationship upheaval
• Disruption to availability of preferred food sources and resources
• Disturbance to usual physical activity routines
• Reduction on friends-based interaction
• Removal or significant reduction of therapy / healthcare appointments

At the very time that these factors are playing out in homes, houses, boarding facilities and student digs, we know statutory services are reduced in provision capability.

We know too, that there’s still little clarity around when term time and ‘normality’ might resume.

If you’re a teacher or educational professional with concerns for someone at this difficult time, please be reminded that Wednesday’s Child can and will reach out to that individual or family if you would feel comforted to know that our input exists.

Our work has always involved the support of those within and entwined with, the educational arena, but now, more than ever, we want to play our part.

Can we help by reaching out to a family on your behalf?

Can we begin some weekly support calls by zoom or video with a family or sufferer?

And what about you, your training, and your comprehension of eating disorders? Can we use this time to educate you further and ensure you feel better equipped to help a young person?

Do let us know how Wednesday’s Child can facilitate you and your educational team or your student population.

We’re here to help you help them.

Email hello@wednesdayschild.co.uk