Dear colleagues,
As a University with students and staff from across the world, I am aware that many members of our community will have personal connections to or be deeply concerned by events in Israel, Gaza and the wider region.
This will be a horrendous time for those with family and friends affected and we have reached out to students from the wider region sign posting some of the help and support we can offer.
In these difficult times of global tension, and as an international and inclusive community, it is important that we continue to be mindful of the need for understanding, respect and support for each other.
I know you may also be supporting students and colleagues affected by the escalating crisis or may need to draw on support services. These services include:
- The University Counselling Service which can offer 1-2-1 support for any staff currently in the UK, to talk about the impact the ongoing situation has had on you and to explore strategies for supporting you during this time. Staff can also access a shorter, 30 minute debrief session with a member of the team following any situation that has impacted them. You can email them for an appointment on counselling@abdn.ac.uk. If you are not in the UK, the team can also help guide you to support that is available locally and virtually.
- You can also call the Employee Assistance Programme. The EAP is provided by Care First and staff can contact them about work related or personal issues as well as information, such as legal or financial advice. CareFirst is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can be contacted on the freephone number 0808 168 2143.
- Our Multi Faith Chaplaincy is available to all staff and students and is a place of pastoral support. You can reach out to one of our chaplains for a conversation and support by emailing chaplaincy@abdn.ac.uk You don’t need to have a faith to contact the chaplaincy, the team support everyone in our community.
- Our Human Resources team is also on hand to support you and you can contact your area’s HR advisor or partner using the details on the website.
Finally, I should let you know that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has amended its travel advice to the region and you can see that here.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and strongly recommend that you keep checking Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advice regarding any travel to the region. Travel insurance will generally not cover travel against FCDO advice and any planned travel must be reassessed.
Best wishes
Tracey
Tracey Slaven
University Secretary and Chief Operating Officer