10 October is World Mental Health Day. The World Federation for Mental Health has set the theme for this year as Mental Health for All, and is focussed on ensuring mental health is a reality for everyone, everywhere.

Undoubtedly, this year has been one of the most challenging we have faced. Covid has affected us all in different ways, and statistics indicate that 60% of adults’ mental health has worsened during lockdown.

In recognition of this, RX Global and our parent company RELX have developed an extensive range of activities and resources to support employees and promote mental wellbeing at this difficult time.

On 2 October, RELX announced the expansion of our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support all employees globally in managing work and personal challenges. The EAP Helpline offers employees and their families expert guidance and specialist support on any kind of issue, from everyday matters to more serious wellbeing concerns. The confidential service can be accessed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in complete confidence, and is free of charge for all users.

As part of RELX’s goal to create a healthy and happy culture, employees across RX Global also have free access to Headspace, a global leader in mindfulness and meditation, offering guided exercises, videos and more via a handy app.

To mark World Mental Health Day 2020, our sister company Elsevier have presented a curated, open access collection of 25 journal articles and book chapters focused on making mental health a reality for everyone, everywhere.

We have our own RX Global Wellness Hub too, offering employees access to a wide range of wellness and mental health resources which aim to help them ‘stress less and smile more.’ Ahead of World Mental Health Day we ran a Wellbeing Week offering everything from Anxiety 101 to basic first aid, mindfulness meditation, essential oils for the mind, and a webinar on transforming stress to success. Ongoing sessions include virtual fitness classes, wellness webinars, language sessions, a book club, creative hour and much more.