The College and University Support Network (CUSN) has had 3,830 visitors to its website since its launch in October. CUSN, set up by a partnership of UCU and Teacher Support Network, offers round-the-clock telephone counselling, factsheets, online coaching, money advice and needs-based grants and loans specifically for college and university academic and related staff and their families.
Out of all the calls/emails since launch, the top issues were:
- Working conditions - 30.5%
(of which 51% were about legal issues, 26% about worklife balance and 10% about performance & pay) - Money - 30.5%
(of which 63% were about grants and loans, 14% about money difficulties and 8% about making the most of your money) - Careers - 10%
- People and relationships - 9%
- Information call - 7.5%
- Health and wellbeing - 7%
- Personal - 5.5%
Patrick Nash, CUSN chief executive, said: ‘We encourage everyone who works for adult FE or HE organisations to make use of our free services, whether it be to obtain information, download a factsheet, or speak to one of our fully qualified counsellors or coaches.’
