Staff Wellbeing Service in Wales

Taking staff wellbeing beyond the tick box

Everyone deserves to be healthy and safe at work. Especially those who guide and inspire the next generation. Which is why we’re working with Welsh Government to improve school staff wellbeing across Wales.

No one can do their best work if they are emotionally and physically depleted. If you want to make a meaningful change in your school, you’ve come to the right place.

Below you’ll find out more about our services, which are all funded thanks to Welsh government:

Watch this short video about how we are working with schools in Wales

We are delighted to be continuing and expanding our work in Wales, thanks to support from Welsh Government.

We’re committed to transforming schools cultures, and improving staff wellbeing. We can’t wait to work with you.

With our unique combination of expertise in education and mental health, our team of experts understand the challenges you face. We will always prioritise you and your staff’s mental health and wellbeing. We’ll always strive to make a real, positive impact for every school we work with.

Meet your Wellbeing Advisors

Claire Caldwell

I've spent over 20 years working in education, holding a variety of roles across school with particular experience in senior leadership, Special Educational Needs, safeguarding, and the development of teaching and learning. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working alongside dedicated education professionals, gaining valuable experience and insight into both the opportunities and challenges that schools face.

I've seen first-hand the difference that educators make to the lives of children and young people, their families, and colleagues. The impact of education staff is significant, and I believe it is something that should be celebrated, supported and protected. This is what drew me to Education Support. I am passionate about helping those who support children and young people to thrive themselves, recognising how important this is in a constantly evolving education landscape.

Outside of work, I am an Inclusion Lead for Scouts Cymru, a Squirrels Leader, and a governor at a local school, giving me opportunity to continue to support and work with young people in different arenas. Most importantly though, I love spending time with my husband and son. Living in Flintshire gives us lots of opportunity to explore beautiful North Wales - heading off on adventures together, spending time outdoors and making memories with my family in this lovely place is by far my most favourite thing.

Emma Burton

I've spent over 20 years working in education, predominantly in specialist settings supporting children and young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. Throughout my career, I've held a variety of roles spanning educational leadership, mental health, facilitation, and strategic improvement and change projects. I'm also a qualified Trauma-Informed Practitioner, which strongly influences my approach to working with people.

Having worked in education for so many years, I've seen first-hand the extraordinary difference that great staff can make to the lives of children and young people. I believe passionately that education staff have the ability to change lives, but to do this, they need to work in environments where they feel valued, trusted and empowered.

This is what drew me to Education Support. I'm passionate about helping schools create positive, supportive cultures where staff can flourish, recognising that looking after the people who work in education is fundamental to achieving the best outcomes for the children and young people they support.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, walking on the beach and being around horses. Living close to the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastline means I'm lucky enough to enjoy plenty of time outdoors!

Jessica Sharkey

Based in Carmarthenshire, Wales, I’m a School Staff Wellbeing Advisor with over 14 years’ experience in education across England, Wales and internationally. My journey began as a mealtime assistant, and what started as a temporary role quickly grew into a real passion for school life and the people and pupils who make it what it is.

Since then, I’ve worked in a variety of roles, from teaching assistant and holiday club facilitator to classroom teacher of various ages, subjects leads, senior leader and supply teacher. Having experienced school life from so many different perspectives, I understand the unique pressures, challenges and rewards that come with working in education.

Alongside my time in schools, I’ve also supported adults living with poor mental health through the planning and delivering of creative wellbeing programmes in the third sector. A creative at heart, I love all things hands-on, from painting and floristry to crafting and cooking. I also feel most at home outdoors, and treasure walks in the beautiful Welsh countryside with my family and our two golden retrievers.

Bringing together my experience in education, mental health and creative wellbeing, I’m passionate about helping schools become emotionally healthy communities where staff feel supported, understood and valued.

Wan Maroof

I’m a School Culture and Wellbeing Practitioner at Education Support.

I live in Cardiff and love exploring food spots in my local area. I also enjoy getting out for walks, and we have lots of lovely places to explore- one of my favourite things to do is walk along the Taff Trail.

I’ve always been interested in mental health and education. I started my journey as a primary school teacher before training as an integrative counsellor. That’s where I found my passion for supporting the mental health of education staff.

Now, I support schools to develop more positive cultures where staff feel valued and appreciated.

“My Wellbeing Advisor listened carefully to me and where I felt our school was at, all the while asking thoughtful and provoking questions which helped me to gather my thoughts. He then helped me to form our school's commitment plan and how to share it with stakeholders.”
School leader

Hear first-hand from staff in Wales who have benefited from professional supervision and the Wellbeing Advisor Service.

And please be advised, we have concluded provision of Mental health and wellbeing masterclasses for all staff, Workshops for teaching assistants and learning support assistants, Action Learning Sets for wellbeing leads, Group Supervision for safeguarding staff and Peer Support Groups for supply staff.

Not sure where to start?

You’re not alone. Many schools come to us, seeing staff wellbeing as an unsolvable problem. Work with us, and you’ll be guided by experts to develop tailored approaches for your setting, and helped to meet your statutory requirements under the Whole School Approach. You can get in touch with us if you have any more queries at: staffwellbeingservice@edsupport.org.uk