Employee assistance program
1 in 5 Australians will experience a mental health condition in any given year. Western Sydney University recognises that how we deal with these challenges, and how quickly people bounce back, is dependent on several factors including the support we receive. (EAP privacy policy).
What is the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
EAP is a professional, confidential coaching service for employees and their immediate family members (spouse, partner, parents, parent’s in-law, children, etc), paid for by the University. It is free for you and your family.
EAP is a short-term, solution focused program aimed at assisting with personal or work related issues that may be impacting on quality of life or sense of well-being. It can be accessed 24/7, and includes face-to-face sessions, or telephone assistance.
This service is provided by an independent company called AccessEAP counsellors are all qualified, experienced professionals who have extensive training in coaching, counselling and workplace consulting.
What EAP offers
What assistance does EAP provide?
EAP services are free, confidential and voluntary. They provide a variety of services that can assist with a range of work, personal or family challenges including:
- Developing new strategies on professional or personal goals
- Improving relationships/communication with others
- Strategies for handling conflict
- Handling anxiety and stress
- Assistance with financial and legal distress
- Grief and loss support
- Feeling depressed or down
- Improving work performance
- Feeling overwhelmed and distracted
What does EAP cost?
EAP services are offered free of charge to Western Sydney University staff and members of their immediate family. The costs associated with EAP is covered by the University.
How many sessions are available?
A total of 6 sessions are available per person or family each year.
How can I access EAP?
The EAP can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Emergency support can be accessed via 1800 81 87 28.
You can also make an appointment by calling 1800 81 87 28 or by downloading the AccessEAP app.
How confidential is EAP?
Western Sydney University receives no personal information about your access to or use of EAP services. Information you provide the counsellor is not shared with others and is strictly confidential.
What is the age requirement for EAP?
EAP services are offered to staff members immediate family including children over the age of 10 years old.
Video Tools to Support your Mental Health and Wellbeing
AccessEAP have created three short video tools to help support your mental health and wellbeing.
Each video is short (only a few minutes long) and contains practical tips that will help you carve out some time in your very busy and demanding day.
The videos are available via the links below.
- How to psychologically separate from work after a busy day - a video to help you create some personal space after a busy day at work.
- Body scan meditation - to help you get back in tune with yourself and manage your own stress levels.
- Guided mindfulness - a guided meditation focusing on breath awareness.
Related Documents
- Your EAP Flyer (%asset summary 415165%) (opens in a new window)
- Preventing Burnout - Presentation - 14Jul20 Handout (%asset summary 1753039%) (opens in a new window)
Tools for Managers
- EAP Manager Support Service (%asset summary 415163%) (opens in a new window)
- EAP Information for Managers and Supervisors (%asset summary 415164%) (opens in a new window)
- Leader Tool - Exploring_diversity_through_the_pandemic (PDF, 246.27 KB) (opens in a new window)
- Leader Tips - Strategies Exploring diversity through the pandemic (PDF, 150.98 KB) (opens in a new window)
- Leader Tool - Strategies for checking in with your people (PDF, 201.67 KB) (opens in a new window)
- Leader Tool - Authenticity as a Leader (PDF, 209.39 KB) (opens in a new window)
Tools for You
- Personal Tool - Supporting your wellbeing through the pandemic (PDF, 223.79 KB) (opens in a new window)
- Personal Tool - Fostering Hope through COVID-19 (PDF, 200.31 KB) (opens in a new window)
- Personal Tool - Acknowledging and strategies for neutralising negative thoughts ( PDF, 211.39 KB) (opens in a new window)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Dedicated Support Line - Flyer (PDF, 1728.47 KB) (opens in a new window)
Mobile options: