Getting The Right Support
Those with a problem with alcohol would be advised to go to Alcoholic Anonymous for support. Organisations that support those that have a gambling addiction or those helping those that face bankruptcy would be inappropriate sources of support for an alcoholic.
Schools and those working within them need support from time to time. Some need a great deal of support that is sustained over an extended period. Others need a short intervention to help lift them to the next level or to overcome a specific difficulty. Any school, team or individual that considers that no support at all is needed, is likely to be amongst those where an external perspective would be particularly beneficial. Recognising the problem is the first step to recovery.
There is a range of support available. Local authorities, both independently and working through their regional school improvement services, provide support systems. A number of these are commissioned in a variety of ways from other schools. Many form a network of school facilitated improvement. Fewer are true examples of a school led, self-improving system. The former deliver what others believe schools need. The latter meet needs that schools themselves identify.
Schools of course often form their own networks of support independently. Headteachers provide support to colleagues, frequently without others knowing. Such support is not about ego and wanting to be seen to help for their own benefit. Whether through friendship or moral conscience, help is given quietly and discreetly for the benefit of learners in other schools. As well as sharing ideas and effective methods of improvement, emotional support is also often provided. Support from someone else dealing with the same issues, under the same pressure, in the same system can be easier to accept and is likely to be highly relevant. It can however lack a wider perspective. It’s the experience and skill of those that work for Alcoholics Anonymous that make meetings of groups of alcoholics therapeutic rather than drinking sessions.
Consultants and a range of independent school improvement businesses are also available. These can be highly effective where services are truly bespoke and genuinely what the school and its learners need, rather than what the provider convinces the school it needs. Such services should be used for specific issues and dependency avoided. They can be more direct and focus on what most impacts on learners, regardless of local politics and the agendas of others. They can be less effective when trying to sell a particular product that imposes a new agenda upon the school. Some alcoholics pay huge sums of money to prestigious recovery centres. Others recover effectively through far less expensive means.
Professional associations and a range of HR policies also provide support. These are often used when things go wrong rather than in preventing things from going wrong. Processes can be complex, costly, take a long time, create anxiety and lead to a great deal of dissatisfaction in outcomes.
Mike Glavin Catalyst Limited provides services where the other support services available don’t quite fit. Discreet, confidential and focussed on improving outcomes for learners, services are bespoke and will be tailored to meet your needs in your specific circumstances. They are delivered by a credible, experienced educationalist who has successful headship experience in a range of schools and who has led support for schools both across a local authority and a regional consortium. Services are underpinned by a working knowledge of the pros and cons of different types of support and a determination to reduce dependency and empower independence. They are delivered with highly effective, honest communication balanced with emotional literacy. Coaching is the preferred style but mentoring will be provided when necessary. If I cant help I can sign post where appropriate help is available.
Choose your support carefully. It really can make all the difference.