Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Services
There are a number of really excellent services available to staff and students within the University to support the wellbeing and mental health, but knowing which one to choose can be tricky. We have listed those services below along with how they can support you.
You can also find out more about local mental health charities and services.
MPLS Mental Health First Aiders
MPLS have a number of MHFA England trained Mental Health First Aiders on hand to offer confidential, informal support to anyone within MPLS experiencing poor mental health or stress, whether work-related or not. We can be your first point of contact and, by understanding your situation, can talk through your options and signpost you to the right service if further support is required. Get in touch confidentially via mhfa@mpls.ox.ac.uk, or get in touch directly through the bios on the Mental Health First Aiders webpage.
SPECTRUM LIFE: employee assistance programme
Spectrum Life is now the University’s new Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provider (from 5 May 2025). Part of the Thriving at Oxford initiative and delivered through the Pay & Conditions programme, this new service responds directly to staff feedback and broadens the range of confidential support available.
Spectrum Life offers confidential 24/7 support through phone, live chat, SMS, WhatsApp, and a digital wellbeing platform. Staff can also access short-term counselling (up to six sessions where clinically indicated), as well as legal, financial and consumer advice. Partners and dependents aged 16+ are eligible too. Visit the Spectrum Life webpage to find out more.
The previous provider, Health Assured, will remain available until 3 July 2025 to support a smooth transition. Full details, FAQ’s and access links can be found on the Thriving at Oxford website.
Thriving at Oxford
A new Oxford programme supporting you to feel and perform at your best as part of the University community: Thriving at Oxford launched in MT 2022. The University is committed to creating an environment where "everybody is supported to feel and perform at their best as part of the University community". Here you can find lots of useful resources and updates posted from the centre.
OcCupational Health
Occupational Health provides a service that promotes and supports physical and mental wellbeing in the workplace. It offers a range of services including advice to managers, the employee counselling service (more below) and health surveillance.
Bullying and Harassment Advisors
If you or someone you know within the University is experiencing bullying or harassment, get in touch with the Harassment Advisory Service or your local Advisors for support and advice on the procedure. More information about the harassment procedure can be found on these webpages. MPLS Bullying and Harassment Advisors are Daisy Hung and Justin Hutchence.
Togetherall
All students and staff at the University of Oxford can access Togetherall’s 24 hour, safe online mental health support. An online peer-to-peer support community offering discussions mediated by mental health professionals, self-learning courses and resources. Register for free for Togetherall and select "I'm from a University or college". More information can also be found in a recording about Togetherall on the MPLS Mental Health webpages.
Able Futures
Able Futures is a nationwide mental health support service provided on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions. All University employees are eligible for nine months advice and guidance from a mental health specialist who can help you learn coping mechanisms, build resilience, access therapy or work with your employer to make adjustments to help your mental health at work.
Call Able Futures free on 0800 321 3137 from 8am to 10.30pm, Monday to Friday to find out more about our online mental health support. Or apply online for Able Futures support.
Maximus
The Access to Work Mental Health Support Service by Maximus is funded by the Department of Work and Pensions and provides confidential and vocational support for employees with mental illness to retain/regain their ability to participate at work.
Oxford Mindfulness Centre
The Oxford Mindfulness Centre offers free daily online mindfulness sessions (Monday to Friday each week). The practice sessions are intended for anyone new to mindfulness and for those who would like to connect with others to maintain their practice.
Safe Haven
Oxfordshire Mind which runs the Safe Haven, a safe space open 365 days a year for you to access and talk through your problems. 11.30am-9.30pm, 7 days a week. Tel: 01865 903 037; Email: osh@oxfordshiremind.org.uk
Shout
Shout provides a confidential 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Hub of Hope
If you live outside of Oxfordshire: For other support local to you, search your location on the Hub of Hope.
Services for Students
STUDENT COUNSELLING SERVICE
All students at the University have access to a free student counselling service provided by Welfare and Student Support. They also provide advice to staff who are concerned about students.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE SUPPORT SERVICE - FOR STUDENTS
The Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service provides a safe space for students to be heard, with advisors offering free support and advice to any current student who has been impacted by sexual harassment or violence. All specialist advisors at the service are trained to support you at your pace, free of charge and in confidence.
PEER SUPPORT - FOR STUDENTS
The Peer Support Programme was developed in the early 1990s in recognition of the essential role students play in supporting and encouraging one another on a day-to-day basis throughout their time at university. Students can seek peer support from other students at the University.