Refurbishment works at University House mean that clients now have the comfort of a waiting room to use prior to their appointments. The service also retains a clinical space as well as its administrative base at the EC Stoner Building.

The changes have enabled counsellors Nicola Neath and Sally Rose to be more proactive in their roles and be an integral part of staff support and development services. They have been joined by two new members of staff; a service administrator and a sessional counsellor. These changes increase the availability and flexibility of the service for all colleagues.

Nicola and Sally have also been investing in the staff experience by introducing new approaches to self management and personal effectiveness such as mindfulness training. The service is also launching a collaborative research project on mindfulness in the workplace with the Institute of Psychological Sciences.

The personal resilience suite includes workshops on sleep and relaxation; values; confidence and assertiveness; worry; and mindfulness. Full details can be found through the SDDU website http://www.sddu.leeds.ac.uk/

The evidence-based eight-week Mindfulness course offers a way to deal with stress both in and out of the workplace. Its key features include awareness and focusing on the present moment, with such benefits as experiencing life more directly, taking time out from preoccupations and becoming less distracted.

Reactions from previous course attendees have been positive. Comments include: “It has enabled me to take time to step back from stress reactions and not make important decisions on autopilot” and “Everyone should complete at least part of this course.” The next Mindfulness course will run after Christmas.

For further information about the service, contact staffcounselling@leeds.ac.uk or 0113 343 3694.