The workplace mental health platform Unmind has announced it will provide free access to all NHS staff amid the COVID-19 crisis sweeping across the UK.

The news breaks as the number of people in Britain infected by the virus has reached a total of 2,626, with the capital seeing the largest amount of infection.

It is expected that 10% of those with the virus will need to be hospitalised, with 1% needing intensive care, placing extreme pressure on an already strained NHS system.

Following suit

The outbreak of coronavirus has sparked a growing trend in many cafes and food retailers, leading them to offer discounted and free refreshments to those on the frontline battling this pandemic.

Just yesterday, Pret A Manger announced it would give a complimentary coffee and a 50% discount on all other products to NHS workers in an Instagram post, the chain said:

“Dear NHS workers, your hot drinks are on the house from today, and we’ll take 50% off everything else,

‘Thank you for everything you are doing.‘We look forward to serving you”.

Such gestures of generosity sparked many other big brands to do the same, with Starbucks and McDonald’s following suit.

The mental health battle

The UK is facing an unprecedented health crisis, and technology companies are in a unique position to step up and help where they can. What Unmind aims to do is enable NHS professionals to measure and manage their mental health through accessing digital resources based on their individual needs, including programmes and tools designed to help with stress, sleep and nutrition.

The evidence-based content, based on the latest research in CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), positive psychology, neuroscience and mindfulness, is developed in collaboration with leading experts and academics in their respective fields.

To support the specific challenges arising from the current health pandemic the team are creating tailored content to support individuals during these uncertain times.

Managing health anxiety, staying connected to meaning and values, and dealing with isolation and uncertainty are all topics which will be covered over the coming weeks.

Dr Nick Taylor, Clinical Psychologist and CEO and Co-Founder of Unmind, comments: 

“We are facing a global crisis – the scale of which we have never seen before. With the situation changing on a daily basis, we need to step up and support each other through this time.

“One of the areas which is facing the highest level of pressure is our National Health Service. NHS staff are working round the clock to slow the spread of COVID-19, and the increased stress has been felt across all departments. This will undoubtedly affect their mental health and the wellbeing of those around them, and we want to do what we can to offer support.

“It is vital that we provide the proper care and support that those on the front line of tackling this problem need, which is why we have taken the decision to offer our mental health platform free to all NHS staff.:

How NHS staff get access:

• Go to nhs.unmind.com/signup
• Use your @nhs.net email address to signup