Helpline gets 1,000 calls in its first year

A single parent needing help managing her debts after missing a mortgage payment, an academic seeking assertiveness coaching and a harassment victim who needed help organising evidence against his tormentor are among the hundreds of academics who have used a lecturers' helpline in its first year.

Figures released by the College and University Support Network this week show that more than 1,000 calls were made to the charity's free advice and support helpline (0800 32 99 52) in its first year. Life coaches and counsellors handled an average of 12 e-mailed requests for help each month, and 10,498 factsheets and guidance documents were downloaded from the website.

Patrick Nash, chief executive, said: "Our professionally accredited counsellors and coaches work with individuals to devise practical solutions to their concerns."