Cornwall's Children's Services Authority and Trade Unions in the county have joined together in an innovative new project to help staff in Cornish schools achieve a better work-life balance.

The Work-Life Balance Project, funded by the TUC, aims to help staff in schools achieve a better balance between their working and home lives and reduce unhealthy stress.

Chris Mitten, a Consultant with the Children's Services Authority, and Peter Johnson, Head of Staff Care and Wellbeing Services, have also produced a Work-Life Balance Toolkit and Draft Policy which will be available to schools.

Staff Wellbeing Guidance, designed to promote wellbeing and prevent stress among staff working for Cornwall's Services Authority was originally launched in October 2005. The guidance, produced following two years of consultation between staff from departments within Children, Young People and Families and partners from 35 agencies, including trade unions and professional organisations, uses a three level approach to promote staff wellbeing.

"This new Project builds on the success of this work " explained Peter Johnson. "The £36,000 funding from the TUC will be used to stage a number of conferences to provide further support for schools and help develop a Work-life Balance Policy for the Directorate over the next two years. "