In honour of International Self-Care Day (ISCD), the University is proud to announce the launch of a new sustainable wellness initiative. This launch will help meet the full spectrum of staff wellness needs, and enhance the coordination, collaboration and communication of wellness programs across U of T services and systems. It will include advancements to resources for the health and well-being of staff on all three campuses.
“We take pride in the hard work and contributions that our staff make to the University and we are committed to ensuring that their health and wellbeing needs are supported both at work and at home“ said Erin Jackson, Chief HR Officer, HR & Equity. “We will continue to take various steps to provide resources to and accommodate members of our community and to ensure they are able to thrive in the workplace.”
To accomplish the University’s plans to support the tri-campus community, a new role of Integrated Wellness Consultant has recently been introduced within the Division of HR & Equity.
“We are very pleased to welcome Teresa Scannell to the new role of Integrated Wellness Consultant,” said Jackson. “Teresa brings more than thirteen years of expertise supporting our community and we look forward to leveraging her experience and insights as we develop our sustainable wellness initiatives at U of T.”
Working in close collaboration with staff in Health and Well-Being Programs & Services (HWB) and Family Programs & Services, the Integrated Wellness Consultant will support, accommodate and work directly with all staff. Initially, the Integrated Wellness Consultant will build an inventory of all current wellness initiatives happening across the institution and will conduct a series of focus groups to leverage resources, identify areas of improvement, enhance wellness offerings and develop an institutional framework for Integrated Wellness.
The wellbeing of the U of T community – mental and physical – is one of the University’s top priorities. The new role of Integrated Wellness Consultant is part of the University’s commitment to promote the health and wellbeing of all staff.
“We will continue to raise awareness about issues related to mental health and wellness, and the wide range of resources that are available to our community both on and off campus,” said Kelly Hannah-Moffat, Vice-President, HR & Equity. “The University is committed to advancing an intentionally inclusive space where all members thrive and are fully supported in accessing the resources they need.”
All appointed staff have access to the Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP), offered by Homewood Health available at any time at 1-800-663-1142. Information on the program can be found on the HR & Equity website or by contacting your Divisional HR Office.
Additional 24/7 support outside the University is available through the Gerstein Centre, where Crisis Workers are available by phone at 416-929-5200 and through the Toronto Distress Centre at 416-408-HELP (4357). CAMH’s Center for Addiction and Mental Health is also open 24/7 at 250 College Street. All of these services are free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.