The festive period can often become a difficult time for many, whether the result of financial pressure, social anxieties or an overall sense of low morale.

If you or someone you know is feeling anxious about the upcoming holiday season, it may be worth taking a look at some of the resources available to University staff and students on emotional wellbeing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The Student Wellbeing blog was launched earlier this term and is written by our team of counsellors. The blog aims to provide practical advice on a diverse range of wellbeing topics, with their most recent post focusing on how to make the most of the upcoming Christmas break.

The Counselling webpage has recently been updated to include useful links to services available to staff and students, including advice on how to build your confidence and resilience. For staff, the Employee Assistance Programme page explains how to contact our free and confidential 24/7 counselling service, provided by First Assist.

If you would prefer to explore wellbeing topics in a more discussion-led environment, why not sign up to an upcoming Life Tools Talk? As part of our Life Tools resource, each session explores an important aspect of emotional wellbeing, such as ways of boosting confidence, relationship building and the art of mindfulness. Next term, upcoming talks include “Improving memory and concentration”, and “Resolving conflicts and building better relationships”. Sessions are free and open to all staff and students. Keep checking the webpage for updates.