College and University Support Network (CUSN) has reported steady growth in the number of people calling their free helpline, accessing coaching and downloading factsheets from the InfoCentre in its first year of operation.
Patrick Nash, Chief Executive of CUSN, said:
“CUSN’s innovative partnership with UCU means the charity can really meet the needs of the FE/HE workforce in tackling issues such as stress, workload and difficult relationships.
“Our professionally-accredited counsellors and coaches work with individuals to devise practical solutions to their concerns. In many cases, particularly legal and pay and conditions issues, individuals are encouraged to seek further support from their union while CUSN provides emotional and sometimes financial support.”
Sally Hunt, General Secretary, University College Union said:
“CUSN provides an invaluable complementary service to UCU’s trade union role, offering advice and mentoring and financial help in cases of severe hardship. “In further and higher education staff stress levels are unusually high. We try to tackle the root causes - campaigning for adequate staffing and tackling unacceptable workloads, for example. It’s really useful to have a service like CUSN to provide the specialised personal support people sometimes need in times of deep distress.”
Over the past 12 months, the helpline has handled more than 1000 calls, the top five issues raised include legal issues (allegations, redundancies etc), mental health concerns, work-life balance, performance and pay and harassment.
The CUSN InfoCentre – an online database of factsheets has to date recorded 10498 downloads and CUSN coaches have dealt with an average of 12 emails per month requesting strategic support in dealing with a range of issues including working relationships, career progression and mental health concerns.
CUSN builds upon the successful work of Teacher Support Network, a charity which has been providing confidential and independent telephone support to school teachers since 1999.
ENDS
Contact:
College & University Support Network Press Office: 020 7554 5235/ Out of Hours: 07795 244291
Notes to Editors:
1. College and University Support Network is a national, independent charity providing practical and emotional support to all college and university staff, their families and dependents in the UK.
2. College and University Support Line on 08000 32 99 52 is a 24/7 confidential telephone support service providing counselling, coaching, information and advice. It also gives access to money advisers and the needs-based grants and loans programme.
3. College and University Support Online is a free internet-based coaching service. Through a secure website, college and university staff can log into a personalised and confidential account. They will be able to access a range of features to support them in both professional and personal matters.
4. College and University Support Online can be accessed via www.cusn.info. The website also provides access to the InfoCentre, which offers factsheets on issues specific to the college and university sector.
