about us

Where we came from

The College and University Support Network (CUSN) was established by the Teacher Support Network, an independent charity with more than 100 years experience of helping teachers and lecturers improve their health and wellbeing.

Teacher Support Network, (formerly the Teachers' Benevolent Fund), established in 1877 to assist teachers in financial difficulty, began expanding its range of support services in 1999 to include grants and loans, information, counselling, coaching and much more.

What we do

Previously, lecturers were able to access the free and confidential services of the Teacher Support Network.

Following consultation with the University and College Union (UCU), college and university staff and our professional coaches and counsellors, Teacher Support Network felt that a more bespoke support service was required.

CUSN provides free support services specifically for all staff working in adult, further and higher education. Supported by UCU, CUSN complements the work of the union offering information and advice, telephone counselling, online coaching and financial assistance. Please be assured that all our counsellors and coaches are fully qualified to ensure you get the quality of support you are entitled to.

InfoCentre

We have over 700 factsheets available for you to download on issues that have been raised by staff working in further and higher education.

The factsheets cover a wide range of topics from managing your workload to resolving disputes with colleagues, dealing with stress or preparing for your retirement.

Simply type some keywords in the field below:

The InfoCentre includes videos from Teachers’ TV, which may be of interest to teachers in the further education sector. For more information you may prefer to go directly to the Teachers’ TV website or to download their videos go to the video section on their site.

Online Coaching

Our free internet-based coaching service provides you with a secure website where you can log into a personalised and confidential account. Through this you will be able to access a range of features to support you in both professional and personal matters.

Our UK-based counsellors and coaches are all fully-qualified and have experience and understanding of the education sector.

When you sign up, we will pair you with one of our experienced coaches who will provide support in any area you wish to focus upon. Support will be provided in the form of one-to-one confidential dialogue, information, resources and factsheets on any variety of topics that are important to you.

You can access Online Coaching in two ways

By clicking on the ask 1 question option, you will be able to try out the service without fully registering. You will get a reply from one of our professionals within 48 hours of submitting your question.
If you want to get further regular information click on Join and follow the instructions. Once signed in, you will be assigned one of our coaches. S/he will contact you to work with you on any personal or professional issue you raise.

View an example of how our online coaching service has benefited one of your colleagues: Stress, depression & alcoholism case study

Support Line

Our Support Line offers information, practical and emotional support to those working in adult, further and higher education (both serving and retired) and their families.

Call 08000 32 99 52

If you are hard of hearing call using the Type Talk service on 18001-08000 32 99 52

By calling our Support Line you can access:

money management advice
financial assistance (grants and loans)
solution-focused telephone counselling with qualified professionals

This service is free to all landline users in the UK, but some mobile and overseas providers may charge you for the call. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Our Support Line is completely confidential. No-one will ever know you have used this service: you don't even have to give your name if you don't want to.

View examples of how our telephone support line has helped some of your colleagues:

Racial discrimination case study
Stress & anxiety case study
Bullying case study