Mental Health and Well-Being Support Zone
Coventry University Group are taking a person-centred approach to supporting positive Mental Health across the whole university community.
We are seeking to ensure that our approach is embedded in every aspect of university life because we believe that by working together, we can build an environment where our students and staff feel content and are able to thrive.
This webpage will give you access to all sorts of information and sources of support.
If you are a student, you can book an appointment with the Welfare Team on 024 7765 8029 or email counsel.ss@coventry.ac.uk
If you are a member of staff and/or a PGR student, you can use the bookable service below.
We operate a bookable support service for staff and PGR students. Appointments are available in normal working hours on Tuesday and Wednesday (face to face or remote) and Thursday (remote) with an additional late night remote option for Thursday evening.
Book an appointment
Please see download a list of resources both internal and external, local and national areas of support. These resources are availablle to ALL STUDENTS and STAFF.
Sources of Support
Please be aware that due to ongoing concerns re COVID-19 the wellbeing zone may have to take a flexible approach to managing referrals, which may include telephone appointments.
Useful Links
Please see the links below for further advice and support during this difficult and challenging time.
Looking after your mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak
For support during the current crisis situation visit mentalhealth.org.uk.
Help with with stress management
This really simple video will help you manage physical symptoms of stress.
Domestic violence
We know that COVID-19 will have serious impacts on the lives of women and children. Survivors are telling women's aid that they are feeling unsafe with the prospect of being isolated in the house with their perpetrator. We want to reassure survivors be that staff or students that there are resources available to help. For more information visit COVID-19: Safety Advice for Survivors.
You can now follow the Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Zone on Twitter. For more information visit twitter.com/cu_zone.
About Us
The Mental Health zone has been set up to provide a ‘one stop shop’ of mental health resources, sign-posting direction and brief intervention, to support CU PGR and staff.
The team is made up of Dr Diane Phimister, who is a mental health nurse by background and has had over 30 years’ experience of working in mental health services and at CU, and is also a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Trainer; Dr Lesley Harrison who is a clinical psychologist specialising in early intervention approaches and psychosis and MHFA Trainer and Annette Dix who is a physiotherapist by background and also has extensive experience delivering MHFA and suicide prevention training.
We can provide brief assessment, sign-posting and one session intervention to post graduate students and staff, with the aim of supporting them to thrive in their work and research.
Meet the team
Additional information:
Other sources of help:
Staff
Counselling is available via the Employee Assistance Programme, where you can have up to 6 sessions. You can also receive ad hoc support 24/7, all of which is self-referral. To access this call 0117 934 2121: quote policy number TT8/2124964. You do not need to inform your line manager about this.
Please be aware that the first response to this telephone number indicates that our counselling facility is shared with a solicitor’s office. Please keep listening for the available options and the appropriate counselling number will be given.
Alternatively you can contact your line manager or People Team Advisor (to find out who this is, email amber.taroni@coventry.ac.uk), and they will refer you to occupational health counselling for up to 6 sessions. At present, due to the situation with COVID-19, these sessions will take place over Teams.
Christmas
Over the Christmas holiday, from Friday 18 December to Wednesday 6 January, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Zone will continue to operate, offering assessments to Post Graduate Research students only. Both staff and PGR’s will still be able to refer to us, but as we will be offering a reduced service, please be aware that it may take slightly longer for us to get back to you
Please note, we are not an emergency service. Should you find yourself in crisis and in need of immediate support, please call the Samaritans on 116 123, contact your GP or present to the emergency services (999).
All students
Students can also book an appointment with the welfare team on 024 7765 8029 or email counsell.ss@coventry.ac.uk or visit Counselling and mental health services
Spirituality and Faith Centre
A team of chaplains offering confidential care and pastoral support to the university community (Staff and Students) of all faiths and none.
Website | Tel - 024 77655296 | Email - Faith.ss@coventry.ac.uk
Alternative resources
Samaritans 24/7 free on 116 123
Togetherall - www.togetherall.com
Emergency
If you are in a life-threatening situation, dial 999 or go to your nearest accident and emergency department.
