Support & Signposting

In this section
Support & Signposting

Below you will find information about the support services available to you as network members and as part of the wider staff community as well as links to information and guidance in supporting others including in your potential interactions with students.

Support for all staff

Workplace Health, Advice and Services

Overview of workplace advice, support and services available


How to Support your Wellbeing

Information. advice and activities to proactively support your overall wellbeing.


Employee Assistance Programme

The University offers staff an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which provides a free, confidential face to face and telephone counselling service called Care First which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


University Counselling Service

The University Counselling Service offer staff 30 minute debrief sessions following a challenging or distressing encounter at work. Sessions can be booked by emailing counselling@abdn.ac.uk .


Multi-Faith Chaplaincy

The Multi-Faith Chaplaincy is a place of pastoral care, providing support and advice to members of the community in times of stress, crisis, bereavement or illness.


The Bounds Counselling Service

Provides the local community with a freely available counselling service whilst conducting high quality research to inform practice, policy, theory and education.

Additional support for MHFA Network members

In addition to the wider support available for all staff members, MHFA network members also have access to:

CareFirst (Employee Assistance Programme) MHFA Support Service

CareFirst provides specific support for Mental Health First Aiders. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can be contacted on freephone by 0808 168 2143.


Mental Wellbeing Engagement Officer

Support from the University's Mental Wellbeing Engagement Officer and team who can provide a safe space for you to raise any concerns or issues.

Mental Wellbeing Engagement Officer: Anna Goldhawk

Email: anna.goldhawk1@abdn.ac.uk or wellbeing@abdn.ac.uk

Out of hours support

If you or someone you are supporting are looking for services and additional support out of normal university working hours, you may find the below information useful.

Staff CareFirst Helpline

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can be contacted by freephone on 0808 168 2143.


Campus Security Team and SafeZone App

The University has its own 24/7 Security Team who are based at both the Old Aberdeen Campus and the Foresterhill Campus. The Security Team can assist with a wide variety of both emergency and non-emergency security and personal safety matters.

Emergency: 01224273939

Non-emergency: 01224273327


Student Helpline

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can be contacted by freephone or WhatsApp.

UK number: 0808 196 2707

Outside of the UK number: 00353 1518 0277

WhatsApp: text 'Hi' to 00353 87 369 0010


NHS Out of Hours Service

The NHS Out of Hours Service can be contact by phoning 111. If you are in an emergency, please call 999.


More information about what to do if you, or someone you know is in a crisis is available here: Crisis Helplines and Information

Supporting students

Staff Guide on Supporting Students


Concerned About a Student FAQ's


Student Helpline


Student Advice & Support Office

Encourage students to make contact with the Student Advice & Support Team to discuss their concerns or support needs.


Pastoral Support Resource Centre

Useful web resources with information on how to support students with different issues.


Student Webpages

Overview of all services and support available to students.


Student Concern Form

You can report any concerns about a University of Aberdeen student's wellbeing or safety through the Student Concern Form.