Canada Life has launched MyStrength, a mental wellbeing app for all employees of companies that have a protection policy with the insurer – including those staff not directly covered by the scheme.
It estimates this will extend coverage to around three million employees.
The service provided by Teladoc Health UK is accessible 24/7 and is designed to support individuals based on their specific needs, the insurer said.
All elements of the app are free and MyStrength is a non-contractual benefit offered by the provider.
It said the launch followed the success of WeCare which has seen more than 80,000 cases since its introduction and has more than 100,000 registered users.
Employees can communicate directly with a qualified wellbeing guide on a one-to-one basis to receive personalised practical tips and advice.
Employees can also learn from hundreds of evidence-based activities at their own pace, from guided meditation to improving sleep, helping them to make simple everyday changes to improve their mental wellbeing and emotional resilience, Canada Life said.
Immediate family members can also access the service for free. This includes any spouse, civil partner, partner, parent, brother or sister living in the same household as the employee; any legal dependant under the age of 21 and in full time education; or any other legal dependant who is dependent on the employee because of disability. Users must be aged 16 or over.
Dan Crook, protection sales director at Canada Life, (pictured) said: “With a growing demand for mental health support in the UK, it’s important that employers have the tools in place to support employees – not just when medical intervention is needed, but throughout employees’ careers to help them maintain their mental wellbeing.
“That’s why we’re excited to introduce MyStrength, extending the service to all employees, whether covered by the policy or not, as well as their immediate family members.
“This means almost three million people and their families will benefit from personalised mental wellbeing support through the app.
“With medical accreditation, and approved by CQC, MyStrength offers a comprehensive package of support and is a welcome addition to our existing support services.”