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.

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.

Complimentary Webinars

We provide complimentary Manager and Employee Monthly Awareness Webinars. View these any time by clicking and registering using the links below!

EAP Awareness for Employees (opens in a new window)

EAP Awareness for Managers (opens in a new window)

Themed Self Help Webinars

Western invites you to watch the following recorded webinars.

FINANCIAL COACHINGWebinar Link
The Financial Coaching webinar was delivered by IMFG, a specialist financial services firm, partnering with AccessEAP to provide financial coaching services for its customers.
Related Documents
STRESS AWARENESS AND BUILDING RESILIENCEView the Webinar
View the recorded webinar ‘Stress Awareness and Building Resilience’ (delivered by AccessEAP). The webinar aims to provide information about the nature and impact of stress, as well as an overview of skills required to build resilience as an effective response to stress in the workplace. The webinar outlines key strategies that can assist you to build a resilient response to stress in order to improve general wellbeing and functioning.
FOOD AND MOODView the Webinar
Watch the recorded webinar ‘Food and Mood’ (delivered by EAP) for more information on how food choices impact brain function and mood.  The webinar provides practical tips to develop healthy eating habits at home and at work, for optimal health.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESSView the Webinar

Watch the recorded webinar ‘Mental Health Awareness’ (delivered by AccessEAP). The webinar aims to provide you with a greater understanding of mental health issues, factors that make people more vulnerable to mental health issues, and what you can do to support someone you know or suspect is vulnerable. The session also provides practical support around developing a plan for responding to potential risk of suicide.

MEN'S WELLBEING IN FOCUSView the Webinar
View the recorded webinar ‘Men’s Wellbeing In Focus’ (delivered by AccessEAP). This webinar provides men with ways to identify stress, tips to promote wellbeing along with information on how to access further support. It also touches on how partners, colleagues and friends can support the men in their life.  
STAYING CALM AND CONNECTED DURING THE FESTIVE SEASONView the Webinar
Watch the recorded webinar ‘Staying Calm and Connected during the Festive Season’ (delivered by AccessEAP). The webinar incorporates tips on effectively managing stress; maintaining healthy relationships; and staying mindful during the holiday season. The webinar has been designed to assist you to find the balance between self-care and keeping positive connections so you can enjoy any festive period.

Frequently Asked Questions


What assistance does the 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 the 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.