Southern Cross extends free counselling offer

The extension comes after a high uptake from members wanting to improve their physical and mental health. The number of Southern Cross members taking advantage of the offer since it launched has been significant, with over 5,000 CareHQ online GP consultations and appointments with Raise (formerly EAPworks) booked so far by members.

Initially launched in December for a four-month period to help members start 2022 in a better headspace, Southern Cross’ free telehealth and mental wellbeing offer has now been extended to 30 June.

Mental health is equally as important as physical health

Nick Astwick, CEO of Southern Cross Health Insurance, said the strong uptake from members so far has showed that the support is something they want, and really value.

“As a membership society, we’re uniquely focused on looking for ways to support our members and their whānau with their health and wellbeing,” he said. “The arrival of Omicron, and the challenges it has brought to the community, has meant that increasing access to telehealth and mental wellbeing services, by removing the financial barriers, has been essential.

“People’s mental health is equally as important as their physical health, and people are feeling more strain on their wellbeing, particularly as the Omicron outbreak ramps up. We’ve been living in a pandemic for two years, and people are exhausted and anxious about the ongoing uncertainty. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to access the help and advice needed to get them through the coming months, as we ride out the peak of Omicron.”