Wellbeing Support

Thriving at Oxford

The University is committed to creating an environment where "everybody is supported to feel and perform at their best as part of the University community". A range of resources have been created to help look after yourself and your colleagues.

Employee Assistance Programme

The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a confidential employee benefit designed to help you deal with your personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home life or work life, health and general wellbeing. Benefits include counselling, legal information and guidance, financial guidance, and more.

Mental Health Crisis Support

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or simply need to talk to someone right now.

Further Department Resources

Further information about the ways in which we support our staff, including EDI, and anti-bullying and harassment, can be found on our EDI pages. 
 

MHFA England trained Mental Health First Aiders are a on hand to offer confidential, informal support to anyone within DPIR experiencing poor mental health or stress, whether work-related or not. We can be your first point of contact and, by understanding your situation, can talk through your options and signpost you to the right service if further support is required.

Please be assured that we will treat any contact and conversation with the utmost discretion and confidentiality and will only escalate issues in an emergency.

The Department's Mental Health First Aiders are:

Spectrum.Life: Your 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Spectrum.Life provides the University’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), offering staff access to confidential support and expert advice around the clock via phone, live chat, and an online platform, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Everyone faces challenges from time to time whether it's stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, which can often feel more difficult without professional support. Financial pressures, legal issues, and caring responsibilities can also impact our wellbeing. Spectrum.Life, our digital health and wellbeing partner, helps address these challenges to foster a healthier, more engaged, and productive workforce benefiting both staff and the University.

Support is available whenever you need it during the workday or outside of working hours. The University of Oxford encourages all employees to seek help when needed. The EAP offers a confidential, supportive space to talk, backed by the highest standards of clinical governance.

Just One Thing: How simple changes can transform your life (Dr Michael Mosley) 
 
Dr Mosley presents simple changes that can significantly enhance both physical and mental health. Each chapter introduces a single, science-backed action to incorporate into daily life.
 
Ultra-Processed People (Dr Chris Van Tulleken) 
 
Dr. van Tulleken explores the impact of ultra-processed foods on our health, revealing how these products affect our bodies and minds. He offers insights into making healthier food choices to enhance overall wellbeing.
 
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? (Dr Julie Smith) 
 
Clinical psychologist Dr. Julie Smith shares practical strategies for managing anxiety, dealing with criticism, battling low mood, building self-confidence, and fostering motivation. This book serves as a comprehensive guide to improving mental wellbeing.