Mental Health Support for Teachers – How MHFA Training Can Help Over the Holidays

For many teachers, the summer break is seen as a well-earned chance to rest, recover, and reflect. But for others, particularly after a stressful or demanding school year, the holidays can also bring feelings of burnout, anxiety, or even isolation. The truth is, teachers spend so much time supporting their pupils that they often neglect their own mental wellbeing.

That’s where Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training can make a huge difference — not just in the classroom, but during the quieter moments of the summer.

In this blog, we explore how MHFA training can benefit teachers during the school holidays and why now might be the perfect time to build these vital skills.

Why Teachers Need Mental Health Support

Teachers play many roles — educators, counsellors, mentors, protectors — often going above and beyond for their pupils. But this emotional investment can come at a cost:

• High workloads and long hours

• Safeguarding responsibilities

• Dealing with pupils' trauma or behaviour

• Ofsted pressures and performance reviews

• Lack of time for personal wellbeing

According to the Education Support charity:

• 75% of teachers report being stressed

• 38% experience symptoms of depression

• 1 in 3 have considered leaving due to mental health concerns

The summer break doesn’t always undo that stress — in some cases, it simply gives it space to breathe.

How MHFA Helps Teachers Over the Holidays

1. Rebuilds Personal Resilience

After a long academic year, teachers often feel emotionally and physically drained. MHFA training helps individuals:

• Understand their own stress triggers

• Practise self-care techniques

• Build coping strategies for anxiety and overwhelm

• Spot early signs of burnout

Starting the holiday with MHFA training allows teachers to recharge more effectively — not just switch off, but truly recover.

2. Equips You to Support Others

Summer holidays don’t just affect teachers — they affect colleagues, friends, and even pupils who may feel lost without daily structure.

MHFA training gives you the tools to:

• Recognise if a friend or co-worker is struggling

• Start meaningful conversations

• Signpost them to appropriate help

Teachers are natural supporters. MHFA simply formalises those instincts with structure and skill.

3. Prepares You for the New Term

Mental health challenges don’t disappear in September. In fact, the start of a new school year often brings:

• Back-to-school anxiety (for staff and students)

• Academic pressures

• Behavioural challenges in pupils

• Transitions for SEND students and new intakes

MHFA prepares teachers to confidently respond when a pupil or colleague is showing signs of mental distress. It’s an investment that pays off well into the next academic year.

4. Boosts Career Development

Many schools are now prioritising wellbeing roles, such as:

• Mental Health Leads

• Pastoral Support Staff

• SENCO and Safeguarding Liaisons

• Wellbeing Champions

MHFA certification is a highly regarded skill that supports career progression, CPD targets, and staff wellbeing initiatives.

Final Thought: It Starts with You

Teachers are brilliant at looking after everyone else — but this summer, it’s time to prioritise your own wellbeing. MHFA training helps you do just that, giving you the tools to support yourself and those around you.

Whether you're a teacher, TA, SEND lead, Headteacher, or support staff, MHFA is an essential life skill — one that empowers, heals, and prepares.