Mental health support extended to every employee

13 Jan 2026

We’ve made a big change to help your client’s support their employee’s mental health, with access to a new Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). This opens up more mental health support to more employees, so no one misses out on the help they need.



Available with all policies:

Until now, EAP access had been limited to Group Income Protection clients. But, now it doesn’t matter which policy they hold. The service is accessible through all our Group Protection policies – Group Income Protection, Group Life and Group Critical Illness – that’s around 2.8 million employees.

Available to all employees, whether they’re insured or not:

If your client holds a policy, the new EAP service is available to all their employees, whether they are insured under the policy or not – great news for everyone.

The support available:

To offer this service, we’ve partnered with digital healthcare provider HealthHero.

HealthHero offers:

  • a 24/7 emotional and practical support helpline, available 365 days a year
  • access to up to eight structured counselling sessions a year, if clinically required. Employees can speak with counsellors accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
  • self-serve access to supportive content, including articles, videos and wellbeing assessments, along with an option to book a call with a counsellor when it is convenient.

Jason Ellis, Director of Group Protection Distribution, says:

“We’re delighted to be able to provide all of our group protection clients with an Employee Assistance Programme, offering mental health support to more UK employees through 24/7 helplines. These changes are part of our wider ambition and future plans to streamline and connect our wellbeing services, focusing on delivering first class benefits that drive better outcomes.”

Wellbeing services are non-contractual benefits, which Aviva can change or withdraw at any time. Terms apply.

Help ensure your clients are aware of this news:

Please let your clients know about these changes. Together we can help them benefit from the service.

Discover more:

Get in touch with your usual Aviva contact or visit our adviser site to find out more about Aviva Group Protection and the wellbeing services available.