The Secret Friend

When we were forced in to the first lockdown in March 2020, like many staff in education, we spent hours creating resources to support the mental health of our students. From weekly phone calls, to funny Tik Tok videos and messages of support, we put the needs of our young people and their families first.

On my daily walk with a friend, a fellow secondary teacher in another school, she mentioned a initiative they had in place at school to support the well-being of staff and in true teacher style, a moment of magpie-ing occurred.

So here is how it works...

Once you sign up to the scheme, the rules are simple. The role of the secret friend is to perform acts of kindness; whether it be a note on their desk, a funny card or a small gift (favourite chocolate, a new book, bottle of wine etc.) with the aim to boost well-being once a month, based on the person’s likes and dislikes. Although we do not put a price limit on the gifts, we do ask that people refrain from posting what they have received on social media. The information about each person is held on a central spreadsheet and at the beginning of each year, we allocate a secret friend to another member of staff, aiming to make connections outside of our own departments.

We have now been running this school wide scheme for the past two academic years and received the following feedback:

"My secret friend is amazing. I receive something at the end of every half term and it brightens my day no end."

Mrs R

"I have really enjoyed spoiling my secret friend. I look out for things they might like whenever I go shopping and hope they get some joy at the end of a busy week."

Mrs G

"I love it! Thanks for letting me join. I would love to be part of it again every year."

Mr P

"It's fab. I have a very kind secret friend who buys me something at the end of each term. I have had bottles of wine, new books to try and some gorgeous earrings."

Mrs C

"My secret friend has outdone themselves. I had the most beautiful handmade Christmas wreath that I hung with pride on my front door. A little reminder that someone is thinking about me and has my back."

Mrs D

Even though we lead incredibly busy lives, these small acts have huge impact. So I am putting it out there to the great wide world of teaching and encourage others to do the same.

Much love,

Mrs W xx