Supporting Staff

We are committed to supporting our colleagues and provide a range of wellbeing and support services for everyone who works for the University.

Human Resources

Each department or service area of the University has its own dedicated HR team should you need any help or support. HR website has lots of helpful information too, including general queries about holiday entitlement, pensions, staff benefits or salaries.

Employee Assistant Programme (EAP) - Counselling, advice and support

Care First provides free confidential, impartial advice and support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for staff on a range of work, family or personal issues.

  • Care First also arrange monthly wellbeing webinars - available for staff to attend or to watch the recording on their portal after the event.
  • Financial Wellbeing - CareFirst offers financial guidance and information - including access to specialist advice on budgeting, benefits, debt, banks, loans consolidation and utility bills and a range of online resources.
  • Free access to the NHS certified mental health app - My Possible Self - interactive tools and techniques using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help manage your mental wellbeing.

Occupational Health

Occupational Health Service can help with health issues which affect your work, or if work is affecting your health - providing confidential services to protect the health of staff, assessing and advising on fitness for work, training, and study, to ensure that health issues are effectively managed.

Trade Unions

If you need help with an employment-related matter, the recognised trade unions, UCUUnite and UNISON, provide help and support to their members.

Other support and services for staff

Accessibility Guides

The University’s partnership with AccessAble represents the latest resource to support detailed access guides and routes within the University.

Arts Centre

Arts Centre offers a wide-ranging programme of events and activities including drama, classical music, dance, world music, film, literature readings, live bands, opera and comedy. 

Breastfeeding, Expressing and bottle-feeding rooms

The University campuses are entirely breastfeeding friendly and there are no restrictions on bottle or breastfeeding. We recognise that sometimes parents may prefer a private, quiet and safe space to feed (by bottle or breast) or to express. There are dedicated milk expressing/breastfeeding rooms to support staff and students who are breastfeeding or for private rest facilities for pregnant colleagues. All students and staff members can use these facilities.

Cycle Scheme

The University has introduced a cycle to work scheme that allows you to lease a bicycle through the University over a period of 12-18 months (maximum value of bicycle and safety equipment is £3,500). You then have the option to purchase the bicycle at the end of the hire period. For further details please view the Cycle Scheme website. For frequently asked questions please view Cyclescheme FAQs , or alternatively contact Jean Glennie on ex. 2032 or jlg@aber.ac.uk.

Financial Wellbeing

As a member of staff you have access to information and a range of resources on financial wellbeing, that includes support from the employee assistance programme, retirement planning and other external support services. 

Flexible Working

AU has a range of policies to enable members of staff to enjoy a better balance between work and personal needs, e.g. Flexible Working Policy and a range of Leave policies such as AdoptionMaternity, PaternityParental Leave and Special Leave.  

Free Eye tests

The University makes provision to contribute towards the cost of an eye test for employees who habitually use Display Screen Equipment (DSE) as an essential part of their work and for a significant part of their normal working hours. The maximum amount that can be claimed  for an eye test is £30.00. If the eye test shows that corrective lenses are necessary for DSE work then the University will contribute up to a further £75.00 towards the cost of spectacles. Part of the form needs to be completed by a qualified Optician.

Completed Eye Test and Spectacles Claim Form (with all sections signed and dated) should be sent to the HR Department, with receipts firmly attached.

Learn Welsh

LearnWelsh provide a range of courses for staff to learn and improve their Welsh with both online and face-to-classes, which can lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

Mentor / Coaching 

As a large and diverse employer the University can offer excellent opportunities to access support through mentoring and coaching. Discuss your specific needs with your Line Manager or Head of Department, and then contact a member of the HR team to explore the opportunities available.

Sports Centre

Sports Centre is dedicated to providing a wide range of services and facilities to enhance the fitness and well-being of its members - including classes, swimming pool, gym and a nordic saunarium. 

Staff Networks and Support groups

Explore the wide variety of support groups, networks and activities available to all staff.

Wellbeing walks

Lunchtime Wellbeing walks around campus and neighbouring woods - led by Health, Safety & Environment team - is a great opportunity to get away from the desk, explore nature, and chat with others!

External Support and Services

Mental Health support

Access to Work

Department of Work and Pensions Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability. The support you get will depend on your needs. Through Access to Work, you can apply for: a grant to help pay for practical support with your work; support with managing your mental health at work; or money to pay for communication support at job interviews.

Adferiad

Adferiad: The Sanctuary, based in Aberystwyth, provides out-of-hours mental health crisis support. Phone: 01970 629897. Email: ceredigionsanctuary@adferiad.org

BEAT 

BEAT provide advice on eating disorders. Call our helplines, start new web chats: Mon-Fri 12pm to 8pm, weekends and bank holidays: 4pm to 8pm. Email: Waleshelp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk. Phone: 0808 801 0433. 

BMHS/ BAME Mental Health Support Helpline

BMHS/ BAME Wales wide for those aged 16+ for issues related to trauma, grief, addiction, anxiety, or major life changes- Inspiring a mentally healthy community. Email: info@bamementalhealth.org. Phone: 0800 144 8824. 

C.A.L.L - Mental Health helpline for Wales

CALL: Please phone CALL, the 24/7 Mental Health Helpline for Wales, for confidential emotional support and information on mental health. Phone: 0800 132 737

The Calm Zone Helpline

Campaign Against Living Miserably 5pm till midnight, 365 days a year. Phone: 0800 58 58 58. 

Combat Stress

Combat Stress is mental health support for veterans and their families and for serving personnel. Phone: 0800 138 1619. 

Cruse Bereavement Support National Helpline. 

Support for anyone grieving. Mon- Fri: 9:30am to 3pm. For support, find your nearest branch. 

HOPELine UK

HOPELine UK provide suicide prevention advice and support for anyone under 35 and for anyone concerned about a young person. Available 24 hours a day, every day of the year (including bank holidays). Phone: 0800 068 4141.

MIND

MIND provides information (A to Z of mental health), support and advice on mental health problems. Offers a variety of local services including a drop in, to people of Ceredigion. MIND Aberystwyth - Tel: 01970 626225.

NHS 111 Wales

Call 111 Option 2 - is running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering a triage service and support or signposting as appropriate. It is a dedicated mental health helpline for Wales; it can provide you with confidential listening and emotional support, and help you contact support that may be helpful and beneficial. Phone: 111 option 2.

No Panic Helpline

No Panic Helpline support people who live with panic attacks, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders and other related anxiety disorders. Daily 10am to 10pm. Phone: 0300 772 9844. 

Papyrus

Papyrus: Papyrus provides 24/7 confidential suicide prevention advice. Text: 88247. Phone: 0800 068 4141. Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Samaritans

Samaritans: provide emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide open 24/7/365. Phone: 116 123. Email: jo@samaritans.org

SANELine

SANELine off out-of-hours, specialist emotional support, guidance and information for people affected by mental illness aged 16+, their families and carers. Daily 4pm to 10pm. Phone: 0300 304 7000. 

Shout

Shout: Please utilise Shout, a free, confidential and 24/7 text messaging service for when you are distressed. Text the word 'shout' to 85258.

SOBS

SOBS offer survivors of bereavement by suicide support, information and advice. Mon- Wed, 9am to 7pm. Phone: 0300 111 5065. 

AGE UK's Silver Line Helpline

Age UK offer friendship, support and conversation for people (55+), especially those who may be experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Phone: 0800 4 70 80 90. 

Support with Disability

Access to Work

Department of Work and Pensions Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability. The support you get will depend on your needs. Through Access to Work, you can apply for: a grant to help pay for practical support with your work; support with managing your mental health at work; or money to pay for communication support at job interviews.

Deaf Plus

Deaf Plus offer a wide range of services to our clients to develop their potential and promote independence and wellbeing.

Mencap

Mencap is the leading voice of learning disability.

Support for Families and Carers

Caring

Getting a carer’s needs assessment could be the first step to gaining vital support. It’s your chance to discuss the help you need as a carer. Find out how it could make life easier for you and the person you care for. 

Dementia Helpline support people affected by dementia. Mon- Fri 9am to 9pm, Sat/Sun 9am to 5pm, bank holidays 9am to 5pm (except 25th Dec). 0800 888 6678. 

Family Lives- Mon- Fri 9am to 9pm. Sat/Sun- 10am to 3pm. 0800 800 2222. 

Parentline Plus is a listening, supporting and non-judgemental help for families. 

Childcare

There are a number of nurseries in Aberystwyth as well as registered child minders. To find out more please visit Ceredigion Council's Childcare in Ceredigion for more information.

Youth Support

Childline is on the phone, Anytime, Confidential Information and Advice for anyone under 19 years old. 0800 1111.  

Meic has information, advice and advocacy for children and young people in Wales aged 25 and younger. 8am- midnight: Text to 84001 also via WebChat. 0808 80 23456. 

Support with Alcohol and substance misuse

Alcoholics Anonymous

Visit Alcoholics Anonymous for support and resources regarding alcoholism. Free helpline: 0800 9177 650. Email: help@alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Dyfed Drug & Alcohol Services (DDAS)

DDAS – 0330 363 9997 – confidential@d-das.co.uk. Single point of contact is available for use by drug & alcohol users, families & professionals. 

Dan 24/7

Dan 24/7 - 0808 808 2234  - Free Bilingual Drug and Alcohol Helpline. Calls made to 0800 or 0808 phone numbers are free for all UK landline and mobile phones. Dan 24/7 telephone number will NOT appear on your home itemised bill.

Support for LGBTQ+ people

LGBT Foundation

LGBT Foundation offer support services for LGBTQ+ people, by LGBTQ+ people. Mon- Fri 9am to 9pm, Sat/Sun 10am-6pm (excluding bank holidays and religious festivals). Phone: 0345 3 30 30 30. 

Trans Aid Cymru

Trans Aid Cymru aims to help Transgender, Non-Binary and Intersex (TIN) people through mutual aid support. The project is run by TIN people for TIN people, making it inclusive and understanding of the community needs. Email hello@transaid.cymru 

Umbrella Cymru

Umbrella Cymru is a specialist gender and sexual diversity support service to people of all ages, all over Wales.  Support is available to LGBTQ+ people and their families. Email: info@umbrellacymru.co.uk | Call: 03003023670 | Text: 07520645700

Mermaids

Mermaids support trans, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young people and their families. Speak to a member of the Mermaids team 0808 801 0400 (Monday – Friday; 1pm – 8.30pm). WebChat. text MERMAIDS to8 5258

Support against Harmful Behaviour

Bullying

Bullying UK offer advice and support on all forms of bullying. 

Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault and Abuse. 

Rape Crisis Rape and Sexual Abuse support line offer emotional support, information and signposting either by phone or online chat. Phone: 0808 500 2222. 

Live Fear Free Helpline provide help and advice about violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence, also offering support to men and children. Phone: 0808 80 10 800. 

Crime

Victim Support offer confidential support and information for people affected by crime. Phone: 0808 168 9111.