The winter break is coming soon, so here are a few reminders about the break and staying well and healthy over the festive period.
As usual, an editable festive e-card will be available for you to send to your own contacts. This will be published on the Staff Hub shortly.
Various facilities are open during the winter break, some with different working hours, and you can take a look at opening times for food and drink outlets. You can also find out about support and events on campus for students.
Ahead of the winter break, there are also lots of festive activities, get-togethers and food options on campus throughout December.
Extra minimum service day – Monday 23 December
Sussex staff have been given an additional minimum service day on Monday 23 December 2024 in recognition of everyone’s hard work during a challenging year. If you are required to work that day, or wouldn’t normally be working that day, please arrange an alternative day off with your line manager. The extra minimum service day should not need be booked on MyView. See full information and guidance.
Worried about your mental, financial or physical health?
If you are worried about finances, feeling stressed, or concerned about your physical health you can access support from the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provided by Spectrum.Life.
For wellbeing support 24/7, 365 days a year, call the EAP helpline on 0800 316 9337 or get in touch via WhatsApp or SMS by texting ‘Hi’ to 07418 360 046. You can access up to eight structured counselling sessions, a medical helpline, legal support and help with day-to-day issues, such as career coaching, consumer advice or relationship mediation.
The EAP is also available to your immediate family, including a spouse, partner, registered civil partner and children aged 16 to 24 in full-time education living in the same household.
Physical wellbeing tips:
- Exercise: Regular physical activity boosts mood, reduces anxiety, and strengthens the body. Sussexsport offers a seven-day free trial with various classes to suit all interests.
- Nutrition: A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining good health. Refer to the NHS Eatwell Guide for practical tips.
- Sleep: Quality sleep improves concentration, immune function, and overall health. Explore resources from Calm to enhance your sleep quality.
Mental wellbeing resources:
- Mental Health First Aid Network: Mental health first aiders are trained to listen non-judgementally, provide support and reassurance and signpost to appropriate professional services.
- Staff networks and support: Staff and students can find information and support through networks, services and points of contact.
- Able Futures mental health support services: Able Futures offers up to nine months of guidance and support from mental health specialist, which is free of charge and completely confidential. They 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.
- Togetherall: This is a free, online, clinically managed platform that is now available to you, 24/7, 365 days a year. Register online using your University email address.
Visit the Staff Wellbeing Hub for further information on these resources, plus our Wellbeing Support Guide and lots more.
Flu, Covid-19 and RSV vaccinations
The winter season can bring more frequent cold, flu and Covid-19 infections. The NHS provides useful guidance on how to stay well in winter and how to avoid catching and spreading Covid-19.
Anyone eligible for flu, Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines is encouraged to take up the vaccine as soon as possible, to give themselves the best possible protection this winter. You can find information you need about how to get eligibility and how to get your vaccine on the Brighton & Hove Council website.
If you are eligible for a free flu vaccine through your GP or NHS, we encourage you to use that service. As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting staff health and wellbeing, you can claim reimbursement for the cost of flu vaccination by a third-party provider if you are not eligible for a free vaccine. Please choose the most cost-effective option when booking. You can pay for it directly using a University Purchasing Card if you have one. Alternatively, you can reclaim the cost through the Out of Pocket Expenses process, charging to sub-project code EM003-01 and expense type ‘staff wellbeing’. Please attach the receipt to the Purchasing Card reconciliation or expense claim.
Useful resources to support you to stay well and warm:
- Keeping warm and well: staying safe in cold weather (UK Government)
- 16 tips on how to stay warm in cold weather (Marie Curie)
- Advice on help with energy bills (Brighton & Hove Council)
- Slips and trips: icy conditions and winter weather (Health & Safety Executive)
- Sign up to cold weather alerts (Met Office)