If you are experiencing mental health issues and are a member of staff, the following support is available to you:
- Tap into your support networks such as colleagues, your line manager, People Services and unions (choose U in the A-Z) for support with your mental health and wellbeing.
- Be aware of University policies and tools that support your wellbeing, such as agile working, occupational health, stress risk assessments, wellness action plans and reasonable adjustments.
- A range of training and development activities are arranged throughout the year. These are often promoted on OU Life and can be accessed via My Learning Centre.
The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provided by Health Assured is available for all staff and their spouse or partner (provided the partner lives with the employee), and children between the ages of 16 and 24 who are in full time education. The website provides proactive ideas for encouraging good physical and mental health. You can also download the ‘My Healthy Advantage’ app to your mobile phone and set preferences for the topics that interest you. For more immediate support or to arrange confidential counselling sessions, a 24-hour helpline is available. Freephone number: 0800 0305182 (Republic of Ireland: 1800 936071). For more information and contact details, visit
the Mental Health and Wellbeing area on My Learning Centre.
Shout 85258 offers free and confidential support to any member of staff working at The Open University who is feeling overwhelmed or is struggling to cope. Shout's text message support service is silent, anonymous and available 24/7. To start a conversation using Shout, text the word OU to 85258.
External resources and support
- Headroom is a new BBC News site that contains numerous articles, tips, podcasts, and tools to help and improve mental health.
- Mind provides a wealth of information to support and improve mental health.
- Mental Health UK provides information about improving your physical and mental health.
- NHS - Every Mind Matters gives advice, information and guidance about looking after your mental health.
- Rethink Mental Illness provides help and support for people living with mental illness.
If you need more immediate help, you can contact:
- Samaritans - Tel: 116 123 who are available any time and any day
- Mind - Tel: 0300 123 3393
- SANEline - Tel: 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm-10.30pm)
- Your local GP for medical advice by making an emergency appointment
- NHS (England & Wales) Tel: 111, NHS 24 (Scotland) Tel: 08454 242424, NI Direct (Northern Ireland) Tel: 0808 808 8000
- 999 or go to Accident and Emergency (A&E).