News & Insights 25 September 2020

Wellbeing at Action Tutoring: Mental Health Focus

Action Tutoring mental health first-aider Mollie Vessey explains the ways in which the organisation strives to support staff wellbeing, with great emphasis placed on mental health assistance, and how this philosophy extends to the work we do with our pupils.

One of the first things that stood out to me when joining Action Tutoring as part of the marketing team was the focus around staff mental health and wellbeing. Joining the team, we had two members of staff who were trained as Mental Health First Aiders, however recently, three more members of staff, including myself, have also been trained.

According to the World Health Organisation, one in four people will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their life.

With this in mind, I think that a focus on positive health and wellbeing should be at the forefront of any organisation. There are many benefits of having a proactive approach to wellbeing in the workplace, such as increased productivity, less sick days and building better staff relationships.

One of the ways that we try to implement positive wellbeing at our organisation is a ‘buddy system’. The idea is that members of the team are paired with each other and are encouraged to meet as frequently as they want, to unload, unwind and support each other through the working day.

When it comes to tutoring, there are many ways that tutors can help pupils that goes beyond just the academic support. Though our mission is to help pupils achieve a meaningful level of academic attainment by supporting them with either their maths or English studies, tutoring can provide so much more.

Something that stands out for me when speaking to volunteers about their Action Tutoring experience is the relationship that they build with their pupils. Watching a pupil become more confident in themselves and becoming better communicators, while developing other skills that will benefit them outside of the classroom, is a big part of what makes being a tutor such a rewarding experience.

If a pupil has come away with increased levels of self-esteem, confidence and positive feelings, that to me is a successful tutoring experience. Developing as people, as well as pupils, to become well-rounded young individuals who are prepared for life outside of the classroom.

If you would like to become a volunteer tutor and support one of our pupils, please fill out our tutor application form here.