Essential information
Internal support for doctoral researchers
Doctoral researchers at Loughborough can access a wide range of support available from the University as listed below.
Doctoral researchers at Loughborough can access a wide range of support available from the University as listed below.
All doctoral researchers can access the support available from the University’s excellent Student Services department. For instance, this includes Counselling, Disability Support, Mental Health Support, Study Support, Academic and Practical Support, English Language Support, Student Advice and Support (e.g. finance, visas and housing), Security, Faith and Spirituality, and more. Please note that we encourage doctoral researchers to access University support in the first instance if concerns stem from aspects of their doctoral programme/have an impact on progression etc
The Doctoral College has paid for all doctoral researchers to access the Employee Assistance Programme (trusted by 50,000+ client companies). Provided by Assured Health, the EAP provides confidential, unlimited support on any matters that might be of concern including mental health, relationships and money matters. The service is free and available 24 hours a day, both online and over the phone. The site has an extensive library of guides, podcasts, planners and more, and the service is also available to immediate family members, should they need it. Their 24/7 confidential helpline can be reached by calling 0800 030 5182 and there is a helpful guide detailing the process when calling.
Log-in details for the EAP:
This resource contains a section dedicated to doctoral wellbeing that includes recordings and/or resources from some of our Doctoral Wellbeing Week sessions such as:
The LU Wellbeing App has been developed in partnership with mental health and wellbeing experts at UniWellbeing. The platform enables members of the Loughborough Family to take control of their health and wellbeing in their own hands to ultimately lead a healthy and happier lifestyle.
It follows a holistic approach using proven methods to positively influence your wellbeing, incorporating mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) amongst many other techniques. By helping you to develop small habits over time, you’ll be making a beneficial change to your lifestyle.
The toolkit focuses on key themes such as staying active, keeping connected, reflecting, achieving challenges big or small, as well as helping those around you.
The digital platform takes into account the challenges university life can bring, supporting you with common obstacles such as staying productive, relationships, maintaining a work-life balance and money management. Some of the content has also been adapted specifically for staff or students.
LU Wellbeing is free to download on any smart device and can be found on the App Store or Google Play.
Each Academic School at Loughborough has a Wellbeing Adviser who can offer advice and support to students on a wide range of wellbeing-related issues, such as:
Wellbeing Advisors may be able to support a student with other issues which are not outlined above so please contact the Wellbeing Adviser for your school if you are unsure.
LSU Advice provides free, independent, confidential and non-judgemental advice for taught students and doctoral researchers at both the Loughborough and London campus. We have a team of 4 specially trained advisors who can support students through difficult times with their studies and advise on both informal and informal ways forward.
Numerous Loughborough University staff across both campuses are trained in Mental Health First Aid.
MHFAiders are trained to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis – and can potentially avert a crisis from happening. They can do this by recognising warning signs, and they have the skills and confidence to approach and support someone experiencing mental ill-health.
MHFAiders also have a role in supporting positive wellbeing and tackling stigma. Contact your School to find out who is a Mental Health First Aider.
Many members of the University are now working remotely to continue delivering their work during the Coronavirus outbreak. Some individuals will have had to change how they deliver their work, and for others it will simply mean working in a different location to the office. The move from office working to home working is not always a simple transition though. This support page has been created to provide you with advice and guidance to make the adjustment easier and ensure that while you’re working from home, you’re healthy, happy and productive.
The PhD Social & Support Network is organised and run by fellow doctoral researchers at different stages of their PhD journey. The network are passionate about supporting researchers through the multitude of non-academic issues, which may be faced during the PhD journey. Although they are not a counselling service, they can provide a supportive welcoming space atmosphere and signpost support as appropriate.
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