Support at the Eastman

Postgraduate Research Student Advisor 

Rachel Leeson

Rachel is available to offer informal guidance to PG research students on matters to do with and which may impact on your research career and support students through their PhD.  You can come and talk to Rachel if: 

• You feel uncomfortable discussing personal matters with your supervisory team. 
• You would like informal advice on career progression. 
• You would like to discuss matters which you feel may need formal intervention but would like to talk informally first with an independent advisor. 

Endometriosis Friendly Employer

The Eastman Dental Institute is a registered Endometriosis Friendly Employer, helping drive positive change in the workplace for the 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth with endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body, usually within the pelvic cavity. Each month these cells react to the menstrual cycle in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape. This leads to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue (adhesions). The condition can have a huge impact on a person’s work and career.

As an Endometriosis Friendly Employer, we want to show a commitment to staff who have the condition and help break down the taboo and stigma surrounding endometriosis and menstrual conditions in the workplace, developing work environments where all staff are comfortable talking about possible practical adjustments that could be of benefit and provide those with the condition the necessary support to thrive at work.

If you want to find out more about the condition, support available and other resources, you can speak to our Endometriosis Champion Sara Giampietro (E: s.giampietro@ucl.ac.uk).

Mental Health First Aider

Sara Giampietro is our Mental Health First Aider.

Ted Talks

Below you will find a list of useful Mental Health related Ted Talks available to watch online. 

• Why we all need to practice emotional first aid  
• 3 secrets of resilient people 
• There's no shame in taking care of your mental health 
• Mental health for all by involving all 

Mental Health Videos

EastMums Network

A support network for working mothers in the Eastman Dental Institute. To join, please email hr-eastman@ucl.ac.uk and you will be added to the MS Teams site. It is a space to feel free to ask any questions about your child(ren), discuss barriers in the workplace, look for ideas with your kids or just make other mum friends.

Staff Equalities Networks

UCL’s staff equalities networks are open to all staff. They are places where people with shared identities and backgrounds can connect with colleagues and make positive change across the university.  More information is available on the Staff Equalities Website.

Report + Support

We believe that bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct are never okay. 

All UCL students and staff can report anonymously, or with their contact details.