This is our first quarterly report for 2008. Take a look at the highlights form the report here. At the bottom of this page, you'll find a link to the entire document. Feel free to download in pdf format. There you'll find a number of statistics about our service usage from 1 January to 30 March.

Highlights

Teachers and lecturers struggle with money and debt; grants and loans total increases by over £25,000 this quarter
The number of applications increases and the total amount of qualifying grants and loans approved in 2008 shows a significant increase compared to the last quarter of 2007. See page 8 in the report for full details.

Teachers feel the pressure at home and at work; personal concerns top chart for all services in England
Teacher Support Online enquiries regarding personal issues are up nine per cent this quarter compared to 2007. This subject encompasses life events, relationships, family, children, identity and education. See page 13 in the report for more.

Government Minister McKenzie visits “invaluable” Contact Centre
In February, Government Minister Lord McKenzie made a three-hour visit to our Contact Centre in Cardiff, saying he was “very impressed” with the services on offer. Read more about this visit on page 6 in the report.

Grants and loans enquiries increase 13.5 per cent in Wales
Teacher Support Cymru has seen a significant rise in calls this quarter, with grants and loans enquiries seeing the biggest increase. See page 16 in the report for the full story.

New Teacher Support Scotland already 1.1 per cent of charity service use
The new Teacher Support Scotland online services were launched at the end of 2007. This is the first quarter to report back on them. Read more about these positive results on page 19 in the report.

Grants, loans and money advice helps teacher avoid debt spiral
Sarah, 31, is a secondary school teacher and a single parent. Her 14-year-old suffers from ADHD. Sarah has no savings and very little debt. She recently missed two mortgage payments, which caused her great concern. She was also worried about covering everyday expenses for her and her son. Find out how grants, loans and money advice helped Sarah on page 11 in the report.

Telephone coaching helps overwhelmed lecturer deal with debt
Calls to the CUSN Support Line about money issues have increased eight per cent this quarter compared to between October and December 2007. John’s mortgage payments increased from £400 a month to over £800 to incorporate other debts and the rising cost of living. Find out how the CUSN Support Line helped John on page 23 in the report.

Attached file(s):
• 1st Quarterly Report for 2008