TBF, the teacher support network, would like to convey its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Pamela Relf, the primary teacher who committed suicide in January after the distress caused by a critical Office for Standards in Education report.
Teacherline, the counselling, advice and support service for teachers in England and Wales, has received hundreds of calls since its launch last September from teachers distressed by OFSTED inspections.
We are concerned that there may be other teachers like Pamela Relf feeling anxious or depressed due to the prssures of teaching and we want to reassure these people that help is available. Teacherline exists to provide an accessible means of support for all teachers whether for a work-related issue, a personal problem or if they simply want to talk through a difficult day with an experienced and qualified counsellor.
Teacherline is free, independent and completely confidential. It is available 24 hours a day, every day on 08000 562 561.
Patrick Nash
Chief executive
TBF: the teacher support network
Hamilton House
Mabledon Place, London
