An EAP is a benefit programme that aims to support employees with personal and work related problems that may impact their job performance, health, or mental and emotional well being.
MCL Medics are working with the University Staff Counselling Service to offer more counselling appointments which will reduce the current wait list. The two teams will work together over the next 12 months to support staff throughout the University.
Staff who want to make use of the new EAP counselling service can experience a much shorter wait time for their sessions to start and can make use of six confidential counselling appointments, or Short Term Therapy, with trained MCL Medics Counsellors through a telephone or video call. This is the same structure offered by the University Counselling Service.
You can find out more about the EAP on the University Counselling website.
Help over the Holidays
The EAP will also be available over the entire winter break with limited triage appointments on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
There are a few self-help mental health apps free to download at any time. The Feeling Good app is an evidence-based self-help programme, while the SilverCloud app is a suite of online CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) programmes that are flexible, effective and easy to use. Togetherall, a free online support network, is also available at all times and guided by trained professionals. You can find all these services on the Staff Health and Wellbeing Hub.
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Emergency services
If you feel your life is in imminent danger or need emergency assistance, you should call 999 or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital.
Support Services for people in Scotland and the UK
Breathing Space is a crisis support helpline open 24 hours at weekends (Friday 6pm to Monday 6am) and each weeknight (6pm to 2am). You can call 0800 838587 or visit the Breathing Space website.
Edinburgh Crisis Centre is a free and confidential service for anyone with any mental health crisis with virtual meetings around the clock. You can call 0808 801 0414 or visit the Edinburgh Crisis Centre website.
Samaritans offers a free service for those who need to speak to someone, available 24/7
You can call 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website.
Shout is a text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. You can text 85258 or visit the Shout website.
Support Services for people outside the UK
Therapy Route helps you find free and confidential helplines to call 24/7 from anywhere in the world. Visit the Therapy Route website.
Befrienders Online provides confidential support to people in emotional crisis or distress. Helplines for every country in the world. Visit the Befrienders Online website.
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