Episode Five | Staff Wellbeing in Times of Crisis

In this episode of BSME Talks, we explore Staff Wellbeing During Times of Crisis. Host Kirsty Crosby, Professional Learning Lead at BSME, is joined by Sofiah Shakeel, Early Years Student Wellbeing Coordinator at Repton Dubai and BSME Wellbeing Network Lead, and Ilia Lindsay, Head of Psychology at Komodo Wellbeing, for a timely and thoughtful conversation on supporting staff through uncertainty.

Sofiah shares her first-hand experience of navigating recent challenges within a school community, reflecting on the transition between online and in-person learning, and how this period compares to the COVID-19 pandemic. She offers practical insights into how Repton Dubai is preparing students for a return to school, alongside the strategies she has personally adopted to maintain a sense of normality during disruption.

Ilia brings a wellbeing specialist’s perspective, exploring how leaders and colleagues can recognise when someone may be struggling, whether through changes in behaviour, increased withdrawal, or over-engagement in work. She discusses practical ways to approach these situations with care, reduce additional pressures, and create environments where asking for help feels accessible and supported.

Together, this episode provides honest reflections, actionable advice, and reassurance for educators working to prioritise staff wellbeing during challenging times.

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