Health and Wellbeing
We are committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our staff community and our efforts are guided by the principles outlined in our Staff Wellbeing Framework. Find out more about some of our key health and wellbeing initiatives below.
Supporting Your Wellbeing
Staff Wellbeing Team
Our Staff Wellbeing Team drives the wellbeing agenda in collaboration with various departments across the University. They oversee a broad range of initiatives, including the Staff Wellbeing Confidential Support service, coordinating our Wellbeing Champions and MHFAiders® networks, and managing staff wellbeing communications, events, and activities.
Our Staff Wellbeing Room based on level 9 in the Schwann Building (SB9/07a) also offers a quiet and relaxing space for staff members to take time out during their working day. It also hosts a selection of wellbeing books for staff members to borrow. There is no need to book, staff are welcome to turn up.
Confidential Wellbeing Support for Staff
All staff members have access to our 'Staff Wellbeing Confidential Support' service, the University's external provider of wellbeing support.
This service offers 24/7, free and confidential telephone counselling support to all staff members on a wide range of wellbeing issues such as anxiety, stress, bereavement, family difficulties, financial concerns etc. The service also provides access to self-help workbooks, podcasts, financial advice, and support for domestic abuse through an online portal and can be used to support any issue that is affecting your wellbeing - it doesn't have to be work related.
Occupational Health
Our onsite Occupational Health team are on hand to provide workplace advice and support to all staff members in relation to their physical and mental health. A counselling service is also available to help staff members through times of difficulty.
To find out more about this service please visit: Occupational Health.
University Mental Health First Aiders
Across the University we have a network of MHFAiders®. Our network of skilled MHFAiders® help to create a culture and environment whereby the whole university as a community are empowered to talk about mental health as part of everyday life, and work together at every level in promoting good mental wellbeing in the workplace.
MHFAiders® are based across campus and are trained in offering help to a person experiencing mental health difficulties, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health issue or are in a mental health crisis. MHFAiders® are not medical professionals, but have useful information on signposting staff and students to the correct services, and offering instant support when needed.
University’s Chaplaincy Service
On-campus prayer facilities are available to all staff members, including Islamic prayer rooms and a chaplaincy service.
Active Hud: Free Wellbeing Classes
We all know that exercise improves our physical wellbeing, but did you know it helps to improve your mental wellbeing as well? Sport and physical activity can help lift your mood and reduce stress. It can also improve sleep and reduce anxiety levels.
Our onsite Active Hud team offers a range of free wellbeing classes designed to help boost your mental wellbeing, including: Tai Chi, Afrobeats and yoga classes. To find out more visit: Wellbeing
Our Wellbeing Support Groups and Initiatives
Our dedicated Staff Wellbeing team run a series of regular wellbeing groups including Menopause Talk and Support, Returning Parents, Staff Choir and Book Club.
Supporting Your Health and Fitness
Health Shield Health Cash Plan
We've partnered with Health Shield to provide you with access to health cover at a discounted rate. Through the scheme, staff members can benefit from receiving money back on everyday healthcare costs such as dental, optical, massages and much more.
ActiveHud
Our onsite Active Hud team have partnered with Kirklees Active Leisure to provide a great value Gym, Class and Swim offer to student and staff members. The partnership gives staff access to swim, gym and classes at 10 sites across Kirklees as well as access to our gym on campus.
Our Active Hud gym boasts the following impressive on-site sports facilities:
- Double sports hall with seating for over 500 spectators
- Two multipurpose studios
- Strength and conditioning performance gym
- Fitness suite with over 80 stations
- Squash court
- Combat suite
Active Hud also provide a wide variety of group exercise classes to help improve your fitness levels or just help de-stress.
For further information please visit: Memberships and benefits - University of Huddersfield
University Health Centre
Staff members who live within a three mile radius of campus are able to register at our onsite Health Centre. The Health Centre is an NHS General Practice, providing general medical services to registered patients. For further details of services provided please see the The University Health Centre website.
Valli Opticians
Our onsite Valli Opticians offer free eye test and contact lens appointments for all staff members.
Staff members can further benefit from discounts of up to 20% on all glasses.
