Support and Wellbeing
Zest Education will not only support you in the classroom, but do what we can to support you outside of it too. We know that life can feel overwhelming at times, and you may be dealing with personal challenges that affect your home life, mental health or ability to work – and your wellbeing genuinely matters to us.
That’s why we’ve created this Support & Wellbeing Hub: a space where you can quickly find trusted organisations offering confidential help across a wide range of issues, from mental health and domestic abuse to financial worries, housing concerns and more.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 999.
Emergency & Crisis Support
If you need urgent help, or you’re worried about someone else’s immediate safety, please use the emergency services below:
- 999 – Emergency services (immediate danger)
- NHS 111 – Non-urgent medical advice
- Samaritans: 116 123 – Free, 24/7 emotional support
- Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 – Free, confidential text support
Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing
Working in education can be emotionally demanding. If you’re experiencing low mood, anxiety, stress or difficult thoughts, you are not alone and support is available.
- Mind – Information, guidance and local mental health support resources.
mind.org.uk - Rethink Mental Illness – Support and advice for people affected by mental health conditions.
rethink.org - Samaritans – Someone to talk to, 24/7
Call: 116 123 - CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – Support for men who are feeling down or overwhelmed.
Helpline: 0800 58 58 58
thecalmzone.net - Shout – Free text support at any time.
Text: SHOUT to 85258 - NHS Talking Therapies –Free counselling, CBT and mental health programmes through the NHS.
Self-referral available in most areas.
Domestic Abuse Support
Domestic abuse can affect anyone and it is never your fault. Whether you feel unsure, worried about your safety, or seeking urgent help, these organisations provide confidential and specialist support.
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge) – Free, 24/7 support for women.
Call: 0808 2000 247
nationaldahelpline.org.uk - Women’s Aid – Live chat, safety planning and information on finding refuge.
womensaid.org.uk - Men’s Advice Line – Support for men experiencing domestic abuse.
Call: 0808 801 0327
mensadviceline.org.uk - Galop (LGBTQ+ Support) – Specialist support for LGBTQ+ victims of abuse or violence.
galop.org.uk - Respect – Support for individuals concerned about harming their partner.
respectphoneline.org.uk
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 999.
Alcohol & Substance Misuse Support
If you’re concerned about your alcohol or drug use, or worried about someone close to you, there are confidential services that can help without judgement.
- Drinkline – Confidential alcohol support.
Call: 0300 123 1110
- Alcohol Change UK – Information and tools for reducing alcohol-related harm.
alcoholchange.org.uk - Turning Point – Drug, alcohol and mental health services across the UK.
turning-point.co.uk - Narcotics Anonymous – Peer support meetings for people dealing with drug use.
ukna.org - We Are With You – Support for alcohol, drugs and mental health.
wearewithyou.org.uk
Financial & Debt Support
Rising living costs can cause financial stress. These organisations can help with budgeting, benefits, debt and money management.
- Citizens Advice – Support with benefits, work, housing and money.
citizensadvice.org.uk
- StepChange Debt Charity – Free, confidential debt advice and repayment plans.
stepchange.org
- Turn2Us – Grants, benefits calculator and financial assistance.
turn2us.org.uk - MoneyHelper – Government-backed guidance on money, debt and budgeting.
moneyhelper.org.uk
Housing & Homelessness Support
If you’re struggling with housing costs, facing eviction or worried about losing your home, these organisations can provide support quickly.
- Shelter – Housing rights advice and legal support.
Call: 0808 800 4444
shelter.org.uk - Crisis UK – Support for people who are homeless or at risk.
crisis.org.uk - Local Council Housing Options – Councils must provide help if you’re at risk of homelessness within 56 days.
Find your council via: gov.uk/local-council - StreetLink – Report someone sleeping rough so outreach teams can help.
streetlink.org.uk
Online Abuse, Harassment & Digital Safety
Online harassment or harmful content can be distressing. These services guide you through reporting and staying safe.
- Report Harmful Content – Support and reporting tools for online abuse.
reportharmfulcontent.com
- National Bullying Helpline – Advice on workplace or online bullying.
nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk
- CEOP – Report concerns about online grooming or exploitation.
ceop.police.uk
- Victim Support – Help for anyone affected by crime, including online offences.
victimsupport.org.uk
LGBTQ+ Wellbeing Support
Support for LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing discrimination, mental health concerns or abuse.
- Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline – Confidential emotional support.
Call: 0300 330 0630
switchboard.lgbt - Galop – Support for LGBTQ+ victims of abuse or hate crime.
galop.org.uk - Stonewall – Information, rights and community support.
stonewall.org.uk - MindOut – Mental health services for LGBTQ+ communities.
mindout.org.uk
Support for Families, Parenting & Relationships
Balancing work and home life can be challenging. These organisations offer support for family pressures, parenting difficulties and relationship issues.
- Family Lives – Support with parenting, behaviour and family stress.
familylives.org.uk
- Gingerbread – Advice and community support for single parents.
gingerbread.org.uk
- Relate – Counselling for families, couples and individuals.
relate.org.uk
Work for us...
As well as working with teachers and support staff in schools and other provisions, we want to have the best talent working for us.
If you believe you have the same passion for education that we do and you would like to work in a fun, fast paced and highly rewarding environment, get in touch today.
You can email your CV and covering letter to hello@zesteducation.co.uk.
Our values
Personable
Our team are always friendly and approachable and will do everything they can to put you at ease in your search for work. We’re ‘people people’ that love working in partnership with the best talent and schools, nurseries and other provisions from across London, Staffordshire and the West Midlands.
We will get to know you as an individual as we believe that every day should be fulfilling for our candidates, pupils and our schools and provisions.
Honest
We believe in pure honesty at all times. Schools need the right person for the job, and candidates want honest feedback in order to perform at their best.
By being completely transparent, everybody knows exactly what they’re getting, and students are more likely to get the quality education they need.
Professional
What drives us is the knowledge that with every placement, we’re changing young people’s lives. So, whilst we enjoy being lighthearted from time to time, such a big responsibility means that we take our work very seriously.
With a dedicated compliance and safeguarding team, we are always fully committed to safeguarding and attention to detail, and pride ourselves on being professional in all possible situations.