Teacher Support Network (TSN) regularly speak to teachers who reveal how their health and wellbeing suffer as a result of carer responsibilities on top of a demanding job.

In a TSN survey last year, 15 per cent of respondents said they would consider resigning from teaching because of personal issues, and of these, 36 per cent said caring for sick or elderly relatives or children was the reason.

In the last 10 months, TSN was contacted by 56 teachers regarding issues to do with caring responsibilities.

Also, a survey conducted by the charity Carers UK in February revealed that 79 per cent of carers have seen their health deteriorate as a result of their caring responsibilities. The survey also reported that the two most common complaints were stress (91 per cent) and depression (58 per cent).

Fortunately there is help available. If you are suffering from stress or depression as a result of your caring responsibilities, TSN counsellors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To access emotional support please call the Teacher Support Line on 08000 562 561 in England and 08000 855 088 in Wales. This service is free and confidential.

Teacher Support Line was recently contacted by a teacher who is a single mother and sole carer for her ill three-year-old son. She called in relation to concerns about her responsibilities as a carer as her son is very unwell and she has recently had to spend more and more time at home to look after him.

Not only were these responsibilities making her tired and stressed, she was upset for her son, and was also struggling financially as she has had to reduce her working hours. She contacted the Grants and Loans team at Teacher Support Line and also spoke to a counsellor, who gave her advice and information on the best way to overcome her situation.

Teachers can also email TSN's online coaches at Teacher Support Online to discuss their difficulties and challenges. They could help you to manage your time and responsibilities and coach you through ways to deal with the situations at home and at work. Another source of practical support on the website is the InfoCentre, which contains over 1,000 factsheets, covering topics including dealing with stress and depression, and residential care.

If any callers to Teacher Support Line are experiencing financial difficulties they can speak with one of their trained money advisors. In cases of severe hardship TSN may be able to offer a grant or loan. In addition, the eight charities which coordinate Carers Week have websites and advice lines and most offer financial assistance. You can obtain further details about these organisations by visiting the Carers UK website here. 

Teacher Support Network’s InfoCentre contains further information on other charities that support sufferers of specific medical conditions, which may provide teachers with more information and support to help them deal with specific illnesses.