The mounting demand for emotional and practical support for teachers was laid bare this week, as Teacher Support Network released figures which show that use of its services more than doubled between summer 2008 and 2009.

The charity’s second Termly Report also demonstrates a significant increase in use of its 24-hour Support Line, which saw 23 per cent more calls between May and August than in the same period in 2008 (4,354 compared to 3,546).

As well as increasing demand for emotional and practical support, the ongoing effects of the recession have caused a substantial growth in demand for financial assistance, with our English charity awarding 74 per cent more grants in summer 2009 than in summer 2008: an increase of £ 36,768.01.

The figures demonstrate 63,071 interactions took place with teachers between May and August this year compared to 28,890 in the same period in 2008.

The report was released as schools across the country make plans to take part in the first ever Great Teachers Tea Break, organised by Teacher Support Network to celebrate the profession and give teachers a well-earned break during their working lives on any day in November.

Teacher Support Network Chief Executive, Julian Stanley, said: “Being a teacher is rewarding, but can also be extremely tough. Their wellbeing is often the first and yet most neglected casualty of the problems that schools face, whether it’s unmanageable workload, bullying by colleagues or pupil behaviour.

“Although we’re pleased to have been able to support teachers so many more times this summer, the figures reveal the unsettling extent of the need for support in schools across the country. Whilst we can help individuals, it’s up to decision makers in government and schools themselves to address the wellbeing of the teaching community as a whole. Healthier, happier teachers create better standards of education for pupils.”

Interactions can come via any of Teacher Support Network’s broad range of free, confidential services, including the Support Line, Online Support services, such as email coaching, or the InfoCentre, which offers over 1,000 factsheets of advice and information over the web.Bucking the trend of a customary decline in service use during summer compared to spring owing to the longer holiday, interactions with teachers were also up 24 per cent on spring (January to April).

The rise in demand for grants was accompanied by a large increase in contact for money advice in England, which was 120 per cent greater than in summer 2008.

As well as money, the figures also show a dramatic increase in teachers contacting us about people skills, personal issues and working conditions, demand for each of which doubled has since summer last year.