Skip to navigation | Skip to main content | Skip to footer
Menu
Search the Staffnet siteSearch StaffNet
Search type

Staff wellbeing

Resources

If you are experiencing health concerns, are wanting to find out how to improve your health or are a manager seeking more background health information to support a member of staff our list of resources (which will expand over time) may be of help. If you are in crisis or know a colleague who may be feeling this way the Counselling Service has specific advice.

The University Library also provides access to hundreds of wellbeing resources, digitally and in print, across a wide variety of topics.

Allergies

Allergies, also known as allergic diseases, are a number of conditions caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system to typically harmless substances in the environment. These diseases include hay fever, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, allergic asthma, and anaphylaxis.

  • Allergy UK - leading charity providing support, advice and information for those living with allergic disease.

Anxiety

Anxiety UK have a helpful video: Tips for Managing Anxiety, Stress & Anxiety Based Depreression:

Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. It can affect one joint or multiple joints. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, with different causes and treatment methods.

Asthma

Asthma is a long-term disease of the lungs (chronic respiratory disease). It causes your airways to get inflamed and narrow and makes breathing difficult. 

 Asthma UK have a wide range if videos available on thir YouTude channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/AsthmaUK 

Baby loss (see Stillbirth too)

Tommy’s is the largest UK charity researching the causes and prevention of pregnancy complications, miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.If you have experienced any form of baby loss, Tommy's has support resources for you.  You can also access videos via the Tommy's You Tube channel.

Back and neck care

Back pain is very common. Staying active is really important, and there are many treatment options that can help you manage your pain and aid recovery.

  • BUPA has a detailed health information on types of back pain, treatment options and Desk stretches.
  • Relieve Neck Pain & Tension at Your Desk (6 mins):

  • The BackCare charity aims to significantly reduce the burden of back & neck pain by providing information, guidance and advice to all people and organisations those affected by such pain and has a list of exercises and top tips for a healthy back

Bereavement/ Grief

We are sorry that you may have lost a loved one and be experiencing grief. This is a natural process but it can be devastating and finding the right support for you is important.

  • Cruse Bereavement Care - Cruse Bereavement Care is the leading national charity for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They have a telephone helpline and instant web chat with a bereavement counsellor
  • The Lullaby Trust - confidential bereavement support to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or young child.
  • The Good Grief Trust - The Trust brings all bereavement services together around the country, to ensure that everyone receives the support they need to move forward with their lives. You can locate the nearest support via their website.

Bi-polar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects your moods, which can swing from one extreme to another. It used to be known as manic depression.

Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer is cancer that starts in the large bowel (colon) or back passage (rectum). It is also known as colorectal cancer.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer starts in the breast tissue, most commonly in the cells that line the milk ducts of the breast. It is the most common cancer in the UK. It mainly affects women but men can get it too. 

Breast Screening

The aim of breast screening is to detect breast cancer at an earlier stage, often before the woman is aware of any problem. Early detection may mean simpler and more successful treatment. Scientific evidence shows that regular breast screening, between the ages of 50 - 70 years, reduces the death rate from breast cancer. Currently the NHS Breast Screening Programme saves an estimated 1400 lives each year in England.  Our regional screening centre will be supporting our breast cancer awareness month in October 2019.

Burnout

Formally recognised by the World Health Organisation and added to the International Classification of Diseases in 2020, burnout is syndrome that results from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three dimensions:

  • Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion
  • Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativity or cynicism related to one’s job.
  • Reduced personal efficacy. 

According to research from Gallup, the top five root causes of burnout are:

  • Unfair treatment at work
  • Unmanageable workload
  • Unclear communication from managers
  • Lack of manager support
  • Unreasonable time pressure

Find out more information about managing burnout.

Cancer support (general)

  • Macmillan Cancer Support is an excellent source of free and expert advice. They have lots of information that covers the practical side of a cancer diagnosis on their website. You can also visit a local centre or call their free support line on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm). The nearest local centre is based at the Manchester Royal Infirmary – close to the main entrance. Visit their page Work and cancer for lots of useful information about managing your workload. For help talking to your employer and colleagues look through ‘Finding the words: Talking about cancer at work
  • Maggie's Manchester is based in Withington, across the road from the Christie Hospital. If you or a loved one are being affected by cancer you can drop into Maggie’s for practical, emotional and social support from their professional staff at any time from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Carers

Caring for loved ones can have a huge effect on you, your lives and your plans - stretching you to your limits.

Child bereavement

Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. We support children and young people (up to the age of 25) when someone important to them has died or is not expected to live, and parents and the wider family when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying.

We offer free, confidential bereavement support for individuals, couples, children, young people, and families, by telephone, video or instant messenger, wherever you live in the UK. We also offer face-to-face support from a number of locations.

Conflict and Humanitarian disasters support

We are sometimes exposed to distressing events that can be unexpected, tragic, and extreme. These events have the potential to overwhelm even the most resilient people. However, each person has their own unique way of surviving and getting through the days and weeks after the event. Below is support information to help you feel more informed about what you are going through and to help you feel more in control during this time.

UoM support for conflict and humanatarian disasters webpages

Supporting your wellbeing in times of crisis

Looking after yourself following a distressing event

Building Resilence 

Coronavirus

You might be worried about coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) and how it could affect your life. This may include being asked to stay at home or avoid other people. This might feel difficult or stressful. But there are lots of things you can try that could help your wellbeing.

Counselling Service

The University's Counselling Service has a range of resources to provide support.

Crohns and Colitis

Crohns and Ulcerative Colitis are chronic (ongoing and life-long) conditions in which symptoms vary from person to person and will range from mild to severe. Symptoms may also change over time, with periods of good health when you have few or no symptoms (remission) alternating with times when your symptoms are more active (relapses or ‘flare-ups’). Crohns and Colitis UK share information to help support you.

Dementia

Dementia is not a specific disease. It's an overall term that describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases.

Many people living with dementia may want to continue working. You can also read about your rights in the workplace and how to talk to your employer about your dementia diagnosis so that you can be given the right support.

Depression

In its mildest form, depression can mean just being in low spirits. At its most severe, depression can be life-threatening because it can make you feel suicidal.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high. There are 2 main types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes – where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin and type 2 diabetes – where the body doesn't produce enough insulin, or the body's cells don't react to insulin.

Diabetes UK - Diabetes the basics.

Digital wellbeing

As technology continues to be such a huge part of our lives it has an impact on our wellbeing. This is often referred to as your 'digital wellbeing' or 'online wellness.'  Check out our resources on digital wellbeing on the Learning and Develoment Pages.

Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone no matter your age, race, class, culture, disability, gender, sexuality or lifestyle. Please visit our dedicated Domestic abuse page for further information, support and advice.

Endometriosis

Is a chronic and debilitating condition that causes painful or heavy periods. It may also lead to infertility, fatigue and bowel and bladder problems. Around 1.5 million women in the UK are currently living with the condition. Endometriosis can affect all women and girls of a childbearing age, regardless of race or ethnicity. Visit Endometriosis UK

Fostering - Manchester children need foster carers

Fostering can mean taking in a child for a couple of nights, several months, or even having a child living with you for many years. Fostered children and young people can't live at home for a variety of reasons - such as, their parents might be ill or going through a particularly difficult time. By fostering you'll make a real difference to children and young people by making them feel safe and secure, offering them a home and support at a time when they need it most. Manchester City Council will provide you with an expert social worker, regular home visits, support and development, training, get-togethers with other foster carers, groups for your own kids so they don't feel left out and 24/7 help at the end of a phone. They offer generous allowances (around £380 per week, tax-free for one child) and pay for extras such as holidays and school uniforms. They particularly want to hear from you if you have childcare or parenting experience and if you would consider fostering teenagers or sibling groups. 

Visit manchester.gov.uk/fostering or call the friendly team on 0800 988 8931.

Grief

Please see 'Bereavement'. 

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss or impairment can be temporary or permanent. It often comes on gradually as you get older, but it can sometimes happen suddenly.

Heart and circulatory diseases 

Heart and circulatory diseases is an umbrella term that describes all diseases of the heart and circulation. It includes everything from conditions that are inherited, or that a person is born with, to those that are develop later such as coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, stroke and vascular dementia. More than twice as many people are living with heart and circulatory diseases than with cancer and Alzheimer’s disease combined. Heart and circulatory diseases cause more than a quarter (28 per cent) of all deaths in the UK; that's nearly 170,000 deaths each year - an average of 460 people each day or one death every three minutes.

HIV

George House Trust (based in Manchester) has been providing HIV support, advice and advocacy services to improve health outcomes since 1985. GHT have a range of ways to help and engage with people living with HIV including one to one advice, drop in sessions and events:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is the name doctors use to describe a collection of otherwise unexplained symptoms relating to a disturbance in the bowels.  These include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea.  At any one time, IBS affects around 10-20% of people living in the UK. 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Insomnia

  • According to the Mental Health Foundation: "Over 30% of the population currently suffers from insomnia or another sleep disorder. Poor sleep can increase the risks of poor mental health, and can lead to a range of illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Far from being a minor concern, poor sleep can have a major impact on our mental wellbeing and day to day lives, with sleep playing a vital role in our relationships, our mood and our ability to concentrate. New data included in our Sleep Matters report revealed that, in comparison to people who sleep well, people who suffer from insomnia are four times more likely to have relationship problems, three times more like to experience low mood, three times more likely to lack concentration during the day and twice as likely to suffer from energy deficiency."
  • How to Sleep has an in-depth resource called The Complete Guide to Insomnia - and How You Can Manage It.
  • Why not watch this video Why Can't I Sleep from The Guardian.

 

LGBTIQ support

Mental health and being LGBTIQ via mental health charity Mind.

Loneliness (Loneliness Awareness Week - June each year)

Campaign to End Loneliness - What you can do if you feel lonely.

      • Marmalade Trust - To create a society where people freely acknowledge that loneliness can exist, and will actively support those experiencing it to increase their social contact and make new friendships.”

Lung disease

      • British Lung Association - Somebody dies from lung disease in the UK every 5 minutes

M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)

This is a long-term (chronic), fluctuating, neurological condition that causes symptoms affecting many body systems, more commonly the nervous and immune systems. M.E. affects an estimated 250,000 people in the UK, and around 17 million people worldwide. People with M.E. experience debilitating pain, fatigue and a range of other symptoms associated with post-exertional malaise, the body and brain’s inability to recover after expending even small amounts of energy.

Men's Health

  • Movember - the charity tackling prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention
  • Andy's Man Club - working to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and create a judgement-free, confidential space where men can be open about the storms in their life. We aim to achieve thie through weekly, free to attend peer-to-peer support groups for men aged over 18.

Menopause

More women are working until later in life, which means they will be working through their peri-menopause, menopause and for years afterwards. There is an increasing focus on supporting women during this time and responsible employers are beginning to put guidance in place to facilitate this. The University has guidance for staff and line managers

Menstrual issues

See Periods.

Mental health

Around 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem this year yet the shame and silence can be as bad as the mental health problem itself. Your attitude to mental health could change someone’s life.

Time to Change - Time to Talk Day

Please also see Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Loneliness and Suicide sections.

Migraine

Migraine is the most common neurological disorder in the UK and also one of the most disabling lifetime conditions. Yet it is often trivialised and many individuals struggle for years to live with it. The Migraine Trust has information to support you.

Miscarriage

Miscarriage and pregnancy loss is a heartbreaking experience for the whole family. You can find information and support from the Miscarriage Association

You can help support someone going throiugh this using the guidance from Miscarriage Association

Additional help can be found here 

NHS

Self help guides on a range of topics from the NHS and Live Well

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is a cancer that forms in or on an ovary. It results in abnormal cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms become more noticeable as the cancerprogresses. These symptoms may include bloating, pelvic pain, abdominal swelling, and loss of appetite, among others.

Periods

This Guide to Menstrual Cycles & Mental Health from Yoppie.com contains plenty of helpful information such as:

  • The link between menstrual cycles and mental health and how mood, sleep, and energy levels are affected during periods.
  • Understanding premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its more severe form premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) - their physical and emotional effects, what to look out for, and how PMS and PMDD symptoms mimic other mental health conditions.
  • Useful self-care tips and wellbeing advice during your cycle - how the right diet, exercise, emotional and stress management practices help, and other useful advice and resources for women.

Prostate Cancer

Resilience

Discover free resources via Embrace Resilience.

Sepsis

Sepsis is life threatening. It can be hard to spot. If you think you or someone you look after has symptoms of sepsis, call 999 or go to A&E. Trust your instincts. Symptoms via the NHS.

Sight loss

Sleep 

A good night’s rest is essential to a healthy lifestyle – protecting you physically and mentally as well as boosting your quality of living.

  • The Sleep Council has a range of advice and tools to help you get a great nights sleep
  • Snore Magazine have a range of relaxing sounds that can help you drift off along with a huge range of sleep products:

Smoking (tobacco)

Smoking is the biggest cause of death and illness in the UK. More than 120,000 people die each year from diseases caused by smoking. It is a major contributor to many serious diseases, such as heart disease and lung cancer.

Stomas

Stillbirth (see baby loss too)

Tommy’s is the largest UK charity researching the causes and prevention of pregnancy complications, miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.If you have experienced any form of baby loss, Tommy's has support resources for you.  You can also access videos via the Tommy's You Tube channel.

Stroke

Suicide

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available immediately and confidentially from the Samaritans.

"Whatever you're going through a Samaritan will face it with you. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."

  • Call free - 116 123 or 0161 236 8000
  • email - jo@samaritans.org

For information on supporting someone with suicidal thoughts contact Rethink Mental Illness. Rethink have a range of useful information and some of the signs to look out for if you are concerned about someone you care about.

Let's Talk About Suicide (short video film)

Please also see:

  • CALM (Campaign Againist Living Miserably) - CALM has been leading their campaign againist living miserably and reducing suicide for almost two decades. They aim to support individuals struggling in life through life-saving servies, national campaigns and building communities. Their helpline and webchat is open 365 days a year.
  • The Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA) is a collaboration of National Health Service trusts, charities, businesses and individuals who are all committed to suicide prevention in the UK and beyond. We are an alliance of people and organisations coming together around one basic principle that suicide is preventable. Take their free awareness training options, which provide a better understanding of the signs to look out for and the skills required to approach someone who is struggling, whether that be through social isolation or suicidal thoughts.