New mental health app hailed as "excellent addition"

A NEW app aimed at boosting mental health has been hailed as an “excellent addition".

The myStrength app has now been launched free to over-16s across South Yorkshire with the aim of helping people “stress less, sleep better and live happier”.

It helps users manage a range of wellness areas, including low mood, mindfulness and meditation, and balancing intense emotions, and offers support for employees anxious about returning to the office after working from home during the pandemic.

Launched during Mental Health Awareness Week, which this year focuses on loneliness, the app features “in-the-moment” coping tools brought to life by animated videos.

The new initiative is a team effort between Consultant Connect, part of virtual healthcare company Teladoc Group and South Yorkshire Integrated Care System (SYB ICS).

Users can choose a guided option, or work their own way through the platform.

Rachel Gillott, ICS programme director for mental health, learning disabilities and autism and urgent and emergency care, said: “The myStrength app has been commissioned by SYB ICS with Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield clinical commissioning groups.

“It’s an excellent addition to our existing mental health support offer and provides practical tips and advice to support your emotional wellbeing.

“We are dedicated to providing our residents with the right tools so that they can easily get the support they need.”

Jonathan Patrick, CEO of Consultant Connect, said: “Many people face mental health challenges with the cost of living crisis, the grim images of war shown every night on the news and simply the pressures of everyday life.

“South Yorkshire ICS should be applauded for this brilliant initiative and everyone should take advantage of it.”

The myStrength app can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play by searching “Teladoc myStrength Emotional Wellness” and using the code “southyorkshirewellness”.