Wellbeing programme
We know that the past two years have been tough for our members, particularly for pre-reg trainees, and those who are in the first few years of practice since qualifying. We want to ensure that you receive the support you need, and after listening to your feedback we're excited to announce a new trial benefit which gives you exclusive access to our new Member Assistance Programme, delivered by Health Assured - the UK and Ireland’s leading wellbeing provider.
This new programme gives you 24/7 access to counselling and advice lines, your own personal account on a wellbeing tracker app, and an online portal full of guides, courses, and videos aimed to improve your health and wellbeing. Read on to find out more about the programme and support available.
This new benefit is available exclusively for a one year trial to our pre-reg trainees and those in their first few years of practice.
Introduction to your wellbeing programme
About the programme
This programme is a confidential benefit designed to help you deal with personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home life or work life, health, and general wellbeing. The service provides a complete support network that offers expert advice and compassionate guidance 24/7, covering a wide range of issues.
Services include:
- Life support: Access to counselling for emotional problems and a pathway to structured therapy sessions (members only) at your convenience.
- Legal information: For issues that cause anxiety or distress, including debt management, consumer, property or neighbour disputes (members only).
- Bereavement support: Experienced counsellors who can help with grief, and legal advisors to help with related legal matters.
- Medical information: Qualified nurses are on hand to offer support on a range of medical or health-related issues offering practical information and advice.
You and your immediate family members can access this support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by calling 0800 028 0199.
Note: Please mention The College of Optometrists as your provider when using this service.
My Health Advantage app
We are also excited to give you all access to 'My Healthy Advantage', Health Assured’s comprehensive health and wellbeing app.
Through My Healthy Advantage, you will have access to a range of features, all aimed at improving your health and wellbeing. These include:
- Live chat and support
- Personalised news feed
- Weekly mood tracker
- Four-week plans
- Mini health checks
- Breathing techniques
The app will also give you access to BrightTV - an exclusive series featuring well-known personalities sharing their personal experiences with mental health. Including Dame Kelly Holmes, Ruby Wax OBE, Andy Reid MBE, Sally Gunnell OBE, Gemma Oaten and Carrie & Clarke Carlisle.
Available for iOS and Android devices, you can access My Healthy Advantage with the following unique code: MHA195017
Wellbeing Portal
In addition to counselling support, advice and the app, this programme also offers a virtual library of wellbeing information. The articles and self-help guides available provide support on a range of health and advisory issues, as well as instant guidance to aid your physical and mental health.
To access the College's Wellbeing Portal you will require the login details below:
Username: wellbeing
Password: HopeMindRose1