Help@hand supports early mental health care for employees

The growing mental health gap employers are facing

Many working people across the UK are experiencing increasing pressure on their mental health. In 2024, one in three employees experienced a mental health issue, and a quarter said their mental health had worsened over the course of the year. 

Despite this, there is a clear gap between perception and reality. While three quarters of employers believe their people are doing well, only 66% of employees say the same. This perception gap risks leaving people without the support they need, at the point they need it most - highlighting the importance for employers of recognising concerns early.

Early access to clinically guided mental health support can help close this gap by supporting people before challenges escalate. It also helps employers reduce disruption by creating environments where employees feel understood, supported and more in control.

Help@hand brings early mental health support into one simple app

Help@hand, Unum’s health and wellbeing app, brings mental health support together with remote GP appointments, physiotherapy, medical second opinions and wellbeing resources all in one place.

By making support simple to access and easy to use, employees can reach the right help quickly and confidently, without added stress or complexity. 

Rachel’s story: getting the right help at the right time

Rachel, a Governance Analyst in her 30s, had been experiencing rising anxiety following a recent redundancy. Her sleep suffered, making day-to-day life overwhelming. 

Determined to understand what was driving her and regain a sense of control, Rachel decided to speak to an independent counsellor.

Her employer provided access to Help@hand through their Group Income Protection (GIP) policy and actively promoted it to employees, making it clear that confidential access to mental health was available from the outset. 

Using Help@hand’s confidential mental health service, Rachel was offered a video appointment within two days. She was able to choose a time that suited her and speak with a mental health specialist via the app.

Clinically guided support that helps people regain confidence

During her counselling sessions, Rachel began to explore how past experiences were shaping her reactions and confidence as an adult. 

With the support of a trained counsellor, she was able to recognise these patterns, process long-held emotions and better understand how they were affecting her day-to-day life. 

Since using Help@hand, Rachel is sleeping better and feels more confident about what she wants, focusing her energy on the things that matter to her most.

Rachel’s experience, in her own words 

“I think the real antidote is speaking to someone who is trained to understand, who can help take the narratives out of the subconscious, and help me deal with issues.

Knowing that you are having a confidential chat to someone who is not judgemental and wants you to get better is good. I felt I had, and still have, someone to talk to if I need to discuss something important that is troubling me. 

This means that I am happier and can spend my energy on more productive things instead of dwelling on negative emotions.”