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Community and belonging
13th May 2022
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, with the theme being loneliness. Interestingly, research tells us that loneliness is more prevalent in young people rather than the elderly and theorists are currently researching the link between this age group, loneliness and social media. The charity Mind, suggests that there are a number of ways that we can strive to combat feelings of loneliness. One of the most significant ways is to foster a sense of community and belonging. Last week we witnessed first-hand the support that our primary cohort of trainees give to one another. Rachel Hughlock, (Learning Partners Primary Development Lead) led a wonderful session on promoting reading.
The trainees created reading journals and whilst working, discussed the remainder of their time as trainee teachers. These informal opportunities to make connections are some of the most meaningful for our cohorts and friendships develop that will see them into their first years of teaching.
As our weekly training sessions draw to a close the trainees often reflect on the support these weekly sessions have given them. Whilst the professional development is crucial, it is the moral support that helps them to thrive.
The summer term is when our sense of belonging is often challenged as we look to the next steps in our schooling or career. Taking the next step will be easier if we have our community to lean on and support us. Just as we guide our trainee teachers into their first teaching post, our schools guide pupils into the next stages of their life; working together to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
One of my favourite novels is ‘The Five People You Meet in Heaven’ by Mitch Albom. It is a wonderful story where the protagonist meets people he has influenced throughout his life without even realising the impact of his actions. Albom writes, ‘The only time we waste is the time we spend thinking we are alone’. As I sit at my laptop today working in quiet isolation, I recognise that around me I have the wonderful SCITT team who are always willing to support me and the trainees no matter how challenging the situation might be. In your schools, you will know those colleagues who help you and your pupils to feel less alone.
The Dutch theologian Henri Nouwen says, ‘The best sense of community does give one a deep sense of belonging and well-being; and in that sense community takes away loneliness.’ Let’s all reach out to those around us in the coming months and use our community to support each other.
Jo Jones, Director of ITT, Learning Partners
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, with the theme being loneliness. Interestingly, research tells us that loneliness is more prevalent in young people rather than the elderly and theorists are currently researching the link between this age group, loneliness and social media. The charity Mind, suggests that there are a number of ways that we can strive to combat feelings of loneliness. One of the most significant ways is to foster a sense of community and belonging. Last week we witnessed first-hand the support that our primary cohort of trainees give to one another. Rachel Hughlock, (Learning Partners Primary Development Lead) led a wonderful session on promoting reading.
The trainees created reading journals and whilst working, discussed the remainder of their time as trainee teachers. These informal opportunities to make connections are some of the most meaningful for our cohorts and friendships develop that will see them into their first years of teaching.
As our weekly training sessions draw to a close the trainees often reflect on the support these weekly sessions have given them. Whilst the professional development is crucial, it is the moral support that helps them to thrive.
The summer term is when our sense of belonging is often challenged as we look to the next steps in our schooling or career. Taking the next step will be easier if we have our community to lean on and support us. Just as we guide our trainee teachers into their first teaching post, our schools guide pupils into the next stages of their life; working together to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
One of my favourite novels is ‘The Five People You Meet in Heaven’ by Mitch Albom. It is a wonderful story where the protagonist meets people he has influenced throughout his life without even realising the impact of his actions. Albom writes, ‘The only time we waste is the time we spend thinking we are alone’. As I sit at my laptop today working in quiet isolation, I recognise that around me I have the wonderful SCITT team who are always willing to support me and the trainees no matter how challenging the situation might be. In your schools, you will know those colleagues who help you and your pupils to feel less alone.
The Dutch theologian Henri Nouwen says, ‘The best sense of community does give one a deep sense of belonging and well-being; and in that sense community takes away loneliness.’ Let’s all reach out to those around us in the coming months and use our community to support each other.
Jo Jones, Director of ITT, Learning Partners
