Dear colleagues,
With the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, we are writing to remind you of support in place should you need it.
We know that many staff will be personally affected by the situation, or by ongoing conflicts in other regions, natural disasters and extreme weather events as we have seen in Nepal and North Carolina in recent days, as well as offering support to students.
More details on how to navigate these conversations and to signpost students to dedicated services is available here.
All staff members are able to access our University Counselling Service where they can book a regular counselling appointment or arrange a specific staff debrief sessions, which offer staff the chance to speak with a trained counsellor following a challenging or distressing encounter at work. Appointments with the team can be arranged by emailing counselling@abdn.ac.uk.
You also have 24/7 access to the Staff Helpline, operated by CareFirst, by calling 0808 168 2143. This telephone support provides practical advice and consumer information during the day, and round the clock access to telephone counselling.
You can contact our Human Resources team for any queries that you may have about your employment, or on the support available to you, and the details of who you can contact are on the HR website.
In these difficult times of global tension, and as an international and inclusive community, it is important that we continue to be mindful of the need for understanding, respect and support for each other.
Please do make use of the services available to you.
Best wishes
Nick
Nicholas G. Edwards
Deputy Director of People
Head of Student Support Services