
Mental Health First Aid
Our network of Mental Health First Aiders is here to provide a listening ear and create a safe place to discuss mental health concerns.
If you are in crisis and need urgent help, please call the emergency services on 999.
The resources within this page are here to help and support your mental health and wellbeing.
Helplines include:
To keep health risks from alcohol at a low level the national guidance is to drink no more than 14 units a week. It is best to spread you units out evenly over three or more days where you can.
Read the University's Policy on Drugs and Alcohol.
Support and Resources
Every cancer journey is different.
Support is available at the University for anyone impacted by cancer, and this includes individuals, carers and colleagues.
Internal support can be accessed from a number of sources including your line manager, HR, Occupational Health and our Employee Assistance Programme
Information on the University’s Sickness Absence policy and sick pay entitlement: Holidays, Leaves and Absence
Additional information and resources can also be found with Macmillan Cancer Support 0808 808 00 00 (Monday-Friday, 9am to 8pm).
For individuals living with cancer:
For Carers:
For Line Managers
Anyone can be a victim of abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality or background. If you feel at risk of abuse or if you are worried about a loved one help and support is available.
You have the right to be safe in their relationships free from physical or verbal violence. You must give your consent (permission) every time you have sex. Consent cannot be given if you are heavily under the influence of alcohol or drugs, are asleep or are being threatened with physical violence. If someone tries to have sex with you without your consent, this is rape and against the law.
If you need to report a crime call Police Scotland on 101 (or in an emergency 999). You will always be treated with respect and dignity during any contact with the police.
If you would like to change your diet, smoking or activity level but find it difficult then health coaching, a new free service for university staff, might be for you.
Health coaching is a form of one-to-one coaching originally developed and tested by Public Health, NHS Grampian, designed to help you to achieve the positive lifestyle changes that matter to you. A coach will meet with you four to five times to help you decide what you want to change and to work on the skills you will need to be more active, eat better, drink less or reduce/quit smoking. For example, you might work on setting appropriate goals, on improving confidence, or on identifying likely problems and barriers to success. All of your interactions with your health coach are completely confidential.
People using NHS Grampian’s health coaching service have said;
"No preaching common sense approach".
"The sessions really helped me and gave me more confidence".
"Just a big thank you! ….. with the help and support received I have made changes that have improved my life! (BIG TIME!)".”I found the sessions gave me food for thought and the encouragement I got was helpful."
The service is led by health psychologist Dr Clare Cooper and delivered by a team of Stage 1 trainee health psychologists who have completed additional training in health coaching.
As a client, you will meet with your Health Coach 4 or 5 times for 30-45 minutes each time. These appointments will be arranged at mutually convenient times and are typically 1 or 2 weeks apart so that you have time to work on agreed targets or to think about particular issues between appointments.
Coaching takes place on the Foresterhill and King’s campus in various rooms within in the main University buildings on site.
Health coaching sessions will be available at various times within the working day (9am-6pm) and clients and coaches are free to agree mutually convenient times.
Please contact healthcoaching@abdn.ac.uk to register your interest or find out more.
The NHS is here for you and have produced a very helpful document outlining the services you should contact for health advice during Covid19. Going directly to the person with the appropriate skills helps you to a speedier recovery and makes sure all NHS services are run efficiently.
For more information please visit: https://www.know-who-to-turn-to.com/
In a medical emergency, this is when you or some else is seriously ill, injured, or someone’s life is at risk please dial 999.
If you need urgent health advice when your GP practice or dentist is closed, you should call NHS 24 on 111. You should only call NHS 24 if you are too ill to wait until your GP practice reopens. NHS 24 cannot prescribe medications or book you an appointment with your GP. They can advise you on what to do or book an emergency doctor appointment at your primary care emergency centre if the nurse practitioner thinks it is necessary.
Life can be busy so it’s important to protect our mental wellbeing. If you are struggling to sleep, feel low, or are not coping, help and support is available if you need it. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.
Support and Resources
It has been scientifically proven through several studies that practicing mindfulness improves the overall health of our body and mind; specifically the following improvements were noticed:
For detailed information and events about mindfulness please visit:
University of Aberdeen Masters degree in Mindfulness
Mindfulness 1-Minute SOS Practice |
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At times of uncertainty and change our minds may need some extra support. It is helpful to reassure our minds and activate the calming part of our nervous system, so we are not pushed into anxiety or stress or, when we are, we have tools to regain a more peaceful state. This simple practise will help train your brain to release anxiety and move into a resourceful state. In itself it may seem pointless or silly but is very effective at enabling your brain to become more flexible and focus, so you can choose where to put your focus and stimulate positive reactions in your body to support your wellbeing. Just take 1 minute
This short breathing practise will help you get started. Mindfulness offers a range of tools and the science behind it is evidencing the positive impact on depression, stress (reducing anxiety) and how it enhances our wellbeing (resourceful state). Research has also identified the positive effects of uplifting emotions such as gratitude, kindness and compassion on ourselves and those around us. |
My Possible Self: Mental Health App
University staff can now access the ‘My possible self app’ completely free. Download the app to your phone and start tracking your mood, listen to insightful podcasts or practice mindfulness, there are so many great tools!
How to get started:
If after one month of renting an item you have found it useful in managing your symptoms, you can ask your manager to purchase you your own one as part of your reasonable adjustments.
Check out our Menopause Toolkit
This is where you find our Menopause Policy, guidance, relevant training and more: Menopause Toolkit
Join our University Menopause Network
A safe place to share resources and your experiences. Please contact Ceit Mackintosh for more information.
If you have any feedback or suggestions on how we can support you please email:
wellbeing@abdn.ac.uk
It may seem obvious, but sleep is hugely important when you’re studying. Getting a good night’s sleep (7-9 hours) will help you to learn at your best, improve your state of mind and hopefully feel happier!
Having good sleep hygiene can improve our overall sleep quality. Here are some simple ways to your chances of a good night’s sleep:
In Summer:
In Winter:
For more information about ways to improve your sleep please visit National Sleep Foundation.
Looking after our physical health is an important part of our daily lives. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can boost energy, improve mood and prevent certain health conditions.
Regular exercise is important when you are studying as it improves your concentration; making you feel more alert and less fatigued so you can better focus on your learning.
The UK national recommendations for exercise are 30 minutes a day.
Aberdeen Sports Village |
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The University provides FREE off-peak memberships for Aberdeen Sports Village to all its employees, enjoy its world class facilities for free including access to pool and sauna and all off peak fitness classes. On your first visit to ASV, please take your Staff ID card along to reception. You will be asked to complete a short membership application form and the ASV team will then activate your membership (Staff ID) card for you. If you refer a friend, their ASV membership will cost just £30 per month. more information Upgrade options Staff can upgrade their free off-peak membership to a peak membership (access to ASV's facilities during all opening hours) for just £10.50 per month. To upgrade, please contact ASV directly by emailing info@aberdeensportsvillage.com or speaking to a member of staff at their aquatics or sports centre reception. Click here to learn more about your staff membership, including the benefits of upgrading your membership. Please note that any amendments to your membership may take a few days to activate. |
Active Travel |
Active travel is a convenient, accessible and affordable way for people to be physically active. Active travel is about choosing to walk, cycle or scoot short journeys such as to, between and from our campuses. Did you know?
If you would like to join the Active Travel Club click on the link and use the code: 6p04sa Active travel hub can help you with the following:
Email us with any questions at environment@abdn.ac.uk Check out the link below for a map with campus facilities and route suggestions between campuses. |