Introduction
The University is committed to creating an environment where "everybody is supported to feel and perform at their best as part of the University community". A range of resources have been created to help look after yourself and your colleagues.
The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a confidential employee benefit designed to help you deal with your personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home life or work life, health and general wellbeing. Benefits include counselling, legal information and guidance, financial guidance, and more.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or simply need to talk to someone right now.
Further Department Resources
Further information about the ways in which we support our staff, including EDI, and anti-bullying and harassment, can be found on our EDI pages.
Mental Health First Aiders
MHFA England trained Mental Health First Aiders are a on hand to offer confidential, informal support to anyone within DPIR experiencing poor mental health or stress, whether work-related or not. We can be your first point of contact and, by understanding your situation, can talk through your options and signpost you to the right service if further support is required.
Please be assured that we will treat any contact and conversation with the utmost discretion and confidentiality and will only escalate issues in an emergency.
The Department's Mental Health First Aiders are:
| Tania Boyt | Marnie Howlett | |
| Role: Head of Administration and Finance | Role: Departmental Lecturer in Russian and East European Politics | |
| Contact: tania.boyt@politics.ox.ac.uk | Office 198 | Contact: marnie.howlett@area.ox.ac.uk | Office 162 | |
| Jenny Crewe | Genevieve Moffa | |
| Role: Education Manager | Role: Senior HR Officer | |
| Contact: jenny.crewe@politics.ox.ac.uk | Office 196 | Contact: genevieve.moffa@politics.ox.ac.uk | Office 193 | |
| Sarah Dunkley Smith | Petra Schleiter | |
| Role: MPhil & MSc Coordinator, Comp Gov | Role: Professor of Politics | |
| Contact: sarah.dunkleysmith@politics.ox.ac.uk | Office 195 | Contact: petra.schleiter@politics.ox.ac.uk |
Recommended Reading
Just One Thing: How simple changes can transform your life (Dr Michael Mosley)
Dr Mosley presents simple changes that can significantly enhance both physical and mental health. Each chapter introduces a single, science-backed action to incorporate into daily life.
Ultra-Processed People (Dr Chris Van Tulleken)
Dr. van Tulleken explores the impact of ultra-processed foods on our health, revealing how these products affect our bodies and minds. He offers insights into making healthier food choices to enhance overall wellbeing.
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? (Dr Julie Smith)
Clinical psychologist Dr. Julie Smith shares practical strategies for managing anxiety, dealing with criticism, battling low mood, building self-confidence, and fostering motivation. This book serves as a comprehensive guide to improving mental wellbeing.