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The winter break is coming soon - here are a few reminders about the break and staying well and healthy over the festive period, including support and services available to staff. 

As usual, an editable festive e-card is available for you to send to your contacts. 

What’s happening on campus

Various facilities are open during the winter break, some with different working hours, and you can take a look at opening times for food and drink outlets and explore our festive food options on campus throughout December.

You can also find out about support and events on campus for students.

Extra minimum service days

Sussex staff have been given additional minimum service days on Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December 2025, and Friday 2 January 2026 in recognition of everyone’s hard work during a challenging year. If you are required to work those days, or wouldn’t normally be working, please arrange alternative days off with your line manager. The extra minimum service days should not be booked on MyView. See full information and guidance. 

Worried about your mental, physical or financial health?

You can access our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), delivered through Spark on Spectrum.Life. This service is free, confidential, and available 24/7 to you and your immediate family, and it’s not just for times of crisis: 

• Wellbeing support is available 24/7, 365 days a year via the EAP helpline which you can call on 0800 316 9337.
• You can also get in touch via WhatsApp or SMS by texting ‘Hi’ to 07418 360 046.
• Get access up to eight structured counselling sessions, a medical helpline, legal support and help with day-to-day issues, such as career coaching, consumer advice or relationship mediation.
• It's also available to your immediate family, including a spouse, partner, registered civil partner and children under 18 (or under to 21 if in full-time education).

New and enhanced EAP services include:

• Virtual GP & Advanced Nurse Practitioners – quick access to appointments, any time
• cancer risk assessments and nurse support – in partnership with Perci Health
• child mental health assessments (ages 6–16)
• Connect Plus – manage conditions like diabetes, menopause, stroke, long COVID, and more
• adult and elder care support – including advice on arranging/funding care.

You can download the Spectrum.Life app or visit the Spark website and use our organisation code G00706802 to get started.

Simple winter wellbeing tips - a few small habits can make a big difference

• Get natural daylight when you can.
• Stay active, even short walks help boost mood and energy.
• Keep warm and hydrated.
• Prioritise rest and a consistent sleep routine.
• Check in with colleagues, friends, and family.
• Reach out early if you’re feeling low or overwhelmed.

Ways to boost your physical wellbeing

• Exercise: Regular physical activity boosts mood, reduces anxiety, and strengthens the body. Sussex Sport offers a seven-day free trial with various classes to suit all interests.
• Nutrition: A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining good health. Refer to the NHS Eatwell Guide for practical tips.
• Sleep: Quality sleep improves concentration, immune function, and overall health. Explore resources from Calm to enhance your sleep quality.

Support for your mental wellbeing

• Mental Health First Aid Network: Mental health first aiders are trained to listen non-judgementally, provide support and reassurance and signpost to appropriate professional services.
• Staff networks and support: Staff and students can find information and support through networks, services and points of contact.
• Able Futures mental health support services:  Able Futures offers up to nine months of guidance and support from mental health specialist, which is free of charge and completely confidential.
• Togetherall: This is a free, online, clinically managed platform that is now available to you, 24/7, 365 days a year. Register online using your University email address.

Visit the Staff Wellbeing Hub for further information on these resources, our Wellbeing Support Guide and lots more. You can also explore the Reward & Benefits Hub, where you’ll find a wide range of financial and lifestyle support.

Flu vaccinations

The winter season can bring more frequent cold, flu and Covid-19 infections. The NHS provides useful guidance on how to stay well in winter.

This year, the University is unable to fund a staff flu vaccination programme. Colleagues are encouraged to:

• check your eligibility for a free flu vaccine via the NHS
• if not eligible for a free vaccine, visit our on-site pharmacy or another pharmacy local to you which offers paid for flu jabs.

Useful resources to help you to stay well and warm

• Keeping warm and well: staying safe in cold weather (UK Government)
• 16 tips on how to stay warm in cold weather (Marie Curie)
• Advice on help with energy bills (Brighton & Hove Council)
• Sign up to cold weather alerts (Met Office)