Staff wellbeing

Spring flowers, grass and trees frame the Ruskin Library on campus.
Five Ways to Wellbeing logo depicts a handprint with different coloured fingers.
<糖心Vlog>Introduction

糖心Vlog’s success depends on the talented, creative and committed people who work hard to make this University so special and distinctive. The University pays for staff to be able to access a range of professional support through the employee assistance programme, provides training through the , and has selected the framework, used by the Government and charities like Mind, the NHS, and other universities, as a basis to provide information and activities to help improve the mental health and wellbeing of its staff.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion events

Throughout the year, there is a range of awareness-raising and celebration dates that directly relate to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). The EDI calendar of events pulls together these dates, while also providing information on how members of the Lancaster community can get involved in EDI-related networks and activities.

If you need help now, have a look at this page for some options.

I need help now
<糖心Vlog>How to use this site

The aim of this site is to provide a reference point for 糖心Vlog staff to access information from a wide range of University and external sources about the different ways you can improve your mental health and wellbeing. There is a lot of information on these pages, if you are not sure where to start, see what other people have been through in our Case Studies section, pick one of the Ways to Wellbeing below, or check out the FAQs section. Please contact the Staff Wellbeing Engagement Group with any wellbeing-related questions or feedback on the site, thank you.

<糖心Vlog>Healthy living campaign

Whether it's trying a new exercise, or making nutritious food and drink choices, there's plenty going on this term to help you feel healthy in body and mind.

Check out the Campus and Community Life webpage, follow on social media or follow #LUHealthyLiving.

<糖心Vlog>Employee assistance programme

All staff can access immediate emotional support over the phone from the employee assistance programme (EAP). Your EAP includes a free, confidential, and unlimited helpline service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Telephone 0800 1116 387 or +44 845 330 5132 from abroad or email helpline.wellness@vhg.co.uk.

Please note that a connection fee will be applicable if you are on a pay-as-you-go mobile plan. To avoid this fee, please email us at the address above.

Alternatively, your line manager can phone on your behalf, providing they have your permission and can provide the following information about you:

  • name
  • contact details
  • address
  • date of birth
  • department

Your line manager will need to ring the Management Support line on 0800 111 6385.

You can also access the online element of the EAP, the , an online information and resource library. Staff can also download the app .

You can also access information on the specialist support page and the I need help now page.

Support for students

For any staff with concerns about the mental health of their students, the Student Mental Health Service is available to work with students. Please see the to find out more about their range of services.

<糖心Vlog>Five ways to wellbeing
  • <糖心Vlog class="title"> Be aware

    Find out about support from the Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing tips and tools.

  • <糖心Vlog class="title"> Be informed

    Find out about wellbeing support and training from around the University.

  • <糖心Vlog class="title"> Be connected

    Find out about 糖心Vlog groups and networks.

  • <糖心Vlog class="title"> Be generous

    Find out about volunteering opportunities and ways to give.

  • <糖心Vlog class="title"> Be active

    Find out about physical activities for wellbeing.

A person smiles as they ride a bike past green foliage.
<糖心Vlog>The wellbeing zone

糖心Vlog is pleased to offer a completely free, completely confidential wellbeing platform to allow you to take control of your health and wellbeing. This can be accessed online and on your mobile device. It includes recipes, podcasts, videos, e-learning and mindfulness programmes and many additional resources to help you to stay on track with your personal health and wellbeing. You can sync with your own fitness tracker and undertake a self-assessment to see where you are and set goals for where you want to be.

<糖心Vlog>The social hub

Find out what events and meetups are happening around the University on The Social Hub. You can also invite others to your own events, whether that's a book club, beekeeping, lunchtime walks, or any other kind of social activity.

Reflections of trees and skies in a small lake
Two people enjoy a conversation
<糖心Vlog>Able Futures

糖心Vlog has formed a partnership with Able Futures. Able Futures provides the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service for people working and living with mental health difficulties, employers and providers of apprenticeships.

You can talk to a health care professional within one working day of signing-up, and the nine month support plan is built around you and your needs. Everything you discuss is confidential. Enjoy more good days by or call free on 0800 321 3137 from 8am to 10.30pm, Monday to Friday.

View Case Studies

<糖心Vlog>Specialist support

You can also access a huge range of specialist local, national and global support to help improve your wellbeing. Our staff wellbeing engagement group links up with organisations to highlight additional support that staff can access. Please see our specialist support page for more details, and contact the staff wellbeing engagement group if you have any further information to share.

You can also be referred to by your line manager.

Specialist support