A mindfulness app has partnered with the NHS to provide all healthcare professionals with a free subscription to its mental health tools during the coronavirus pandemic.
Headspace – a mediation and mindfulness app – has announced that it will offer resources to the UK’s 1.2 million healthcare providers and employees who are facing increasing stress due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
The app was launched in 2010 and aims to reduce stress, increase resilience and reduce burnout, according to the company’s founders.
Co-founder and CEO Rich Pierson said it was vital that NHS frontline staff were given the help and support they need during this “unprecedented global health crisis”.
He added: “Covid-19 has put our health professionals at the NHS under enormous pressure and they are undoubtedly experiencing mounting stress and anxiety as the situation rapidly evolves.
“As a Brit myself, I know first-hand the incredible work our NHS does, which is why the Headspace team is working to do all we can to support those on the front lines.”
As of Thursday, any NHS employee can get a free subscription to Headspace Plus by visiting www.headspace.com/nhs and can enroll using their NHS email.
All subscribers will get free access to over 1,200 hours of meditation and mindfulness content until 31 December 2020.
Additionally, internal NHS “Wellbeing Leads” will have access to Headspace for Work’s specially-curated workplace toolkit and content hub.
This includes tools and resources designed to inspire and support NHS employees in caring for their mental health.
The program coincides with the roll-out of NHS Chief People Officer, Prerana Issar’s, “People Plan”, which is a long-term initiative designed to support those in the NHS, signalling mental health as a significant area of focus.
Headspace and the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust are currently conducting the largest workplace wellness study into the effects of Headspace on NHS staff wellbeing.
Healthcare professional burnout has been identified as a major issue to address due to its adverse impacts for both healthcare professionals and patients.
