DCU Employee Assistance Service (EAS)

The Employee Assistance Service (EAS) provides employees and their families with immediate, confidential access to professional counselling. This service is designed to help you manage personal or work-related challenges more effectively, ensuring you have the tools to protect your mental wellbeing.

Support for You and Your Family

The EAS is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Support is also extended to:

• Spouses or civil partners.
• Dependents over the age of 16 who reside in the family home.

How to Access the EAS

You can reach out at any time, from any location globally, through the following channels:

• Freephone (IRE): 1800 814 243 
• WhatsApp: Text 'Hi' to 087 369 0010 
• SMS: Text 'Hi' to 087 145 2056 
• Online Platform: Log in at app.spectrum.life/login to access live chat or request a callback.

Areas of Expertise

Our team of qualified counsellors and experts provide guidance across a wide variety of issues. These include, but are not limited to:

• Mental Wellbeing: Depression, anxiety, and stress management.
• Life Events: Grief, bereavement, and major life transitions such as retirement.
• Relationships: Marital problems and family dynamics.
• Workplace Support: Conflict resolution, communication issues, and work-life balance.
• Health: Addictions and related behavioural concerns.

Dedicated Case Management

To ensure continuity of care, your first point of contact will be a dedicated Case Manager. As qualified counsellors, they are equipped to understand the root causes of emotional issues and will oversee your support from the initial consultation through to any necessary referrals.

The Employee Assistance Service (EAS) is a proactive behavioural risk management tool designed to support the mental wellbeing of your organisation. It provides employees and their families with direct, confidential access to mental health professionals and practical support services.

As a manager, the EAS serves two primary functions: it supports your own wellbeing and provides coaching to help you navigate the complexities of leading a team.

How to Access the EAS

Support is available 24/7, 365 days a year via the following channels:

• Republic of Ireland:  
  • Freephone: 1800 814 243 
  • WhatsApp/SMS: Text 'Hi' to 087 369 0010 or 087 145 2056
• United Kingdom:
  • Freephone: 0808 196 2016 
  • WhatsApp/SMS: Text 'Hi' to +44 74 1836 0780 

• International: +353 1 518 0277 

   

  Digital Platform: app.spectrum.life 

Comprehensive Support for Employees

The service addresses a wide range of personal and professional challenges, including anxiety, grief, relationship issues, and work-life balance .

What to expect on the initial call: Employees speak directly with a fully qualified, accredited counsellor. While the service is confidential, basic details (such as company name) are required to verify eligibility. If a referral for face-to-face or video counselling is recommended, an appointment is typically offered within five days.

Management Support and Coaching

Managing a team involves unique stressors, from conflict resolution to handling workload pressures. The EAS offers professional coaching to help you:

• Handle difficult conversations or emotional interviews.
• Support employees experiencing personal problems at home.
• Maintain boundaries in the manager-employee relationship.
• Fulfil your duty of care and protect the organisation against future litigation.

Identifying and Managing Workplace Stress

Stress is an adverse reaction to excessive pressure. While some pressure can stimulate growth, prolonged stress impacts performance and health.

Early Warning Signs

Managers should monitor for changes in:

• Physiological: Weight changes, frequent illness, or decreased personal care.
• Cognitive: Increased errors, forgetfulness, or loss of concentration.

• Emotional: Mood swings, apathy, or uncharacteristic withdrawal.

   

Referral Pathways

There are three ways to engage with the service:

1. Self-Referral: The employee contacts the service directly.
2. Informal Referral: You suggest the service to an employee as a helpful resource.
3. Formal Referral: When an employee requires structured support, a formal referral form (available through DCU People / HR) can be submitted with the employee’s written consent.