- As schools across the UK navigate increasing emotional and behavioural needs in children, combined with growing demands on staff, creating a culture of mental health and wellbeing has never been more vital.
- What does this look like in practice?
- At one Chorley primary school with a nursery attached, Livewell has been delivering a truly whole-school model of emotional support — not just for pupils, but for parents, carers, and staff.
- A qualified counsellor works in school one day a week, supporting children experiencing a range of life challenges, including bereavement, anxiety, trauma, parental separation, and difficulty processing emotions.
- A student counsellor on placement provides free, confidential counselling for parents and carers of children at the school — an often-overlooked part of the school community whose wellbeing can significantly impact a child’s emotional world.
- Livewell’s Director, Tracy Flux, works closely with the Headteacher and wider staff team, offering supervision, coaching, and therapy. This creates a safe, non-judgemental space for staff to reflect, offload, and build resilience.
Tailored Support: One Size Doesn’t Fit All
There’s a well-known quote, often attributed to Albert Einstein:
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
This idea sits at the heart of Livewell’s approach. Every pupil, parent, and staff member brings their own emotional world, their own challenges, and their own strengths. When we support everyone in the same way, we risk missing what they really need. But when we provide the right support, at the right time, in the right way — people thrive.
This school continues to commission Livewell’s services year after year because of the real, lasting impact. It helps build a caring, connected school community — one where everyone feels they belong first and thrive together.
Why Staff Support Matters More Than Ever
The importance of supporting staff wellbeing is backed by research:
A 2022 Teacher Wellbeing Index found that 75% of school staff reported stress symptoms, with 59% considering leaving the profession due to mental health pressures.
Poor mental health among education staff is estimated to cost the UK sector £1.5 billion a year through absences and lost productivity (Education Support, 2023).
Access to external, independent supervision or counselling provides staff with space to reflect, manage stress, and feel heard — without judgment or conflict of interest. It boosts morale, improves communication, and often reduces absence and turnover.
Could this model work in your school?
- Livewell’s whole-school wellbeing offer includes:
- 1:1 and group supervision for staff
- Coaching and counselling for senior leaders
- Qualified children’s counsellors in school
- Free counselling for parents and carers via student placements
We believe well-being should be woven into the fabric of school life and not added as an afterthought. If you’d like to explore how Livewell can support your school, we’d love to talk. Let’s build a school culture where everyone feels seen, supported and able to flourish, no matter whether they climb trees or swim through deep waters.
