Benestar re-brands as TELUS Health, continuing its comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to Rugby Union Players, staff and families in an ongoing association with Rugby Australia and RUPA.
As part of this association, members can receive six private and confidential sessions with a clinical specialist, per wellbeing issue.
Rugby Australia’s partner, TELUS Health, formerly known as Benestar, is the leading provider of health and wellbeing services in Australia, providing members with resources and specialised services to support mental health and wellbeing.
As part of this transformation, TELUS Health will offer a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP), delivered through a new innovative app called ‘TELUS Health One’ that contains new and improved assistance measures.
Rugby AU CEO Phil Waugh says: "Rugby Australia is committed to supporting the wellbeing of our players, our staff and their families.
"TELUS Health One is a key part of that commitment. For our Rugby community to have unfettered yet confidential access to resources and specialised services will help equip them to address any challenges they may be facing, on and off the field."
Through the app, Australian Rugby Union players, staff, and their families, have 24/7 access to a range of wellbeing/support services to assist in navigating life's challenges.
Such issues include addiction, family, relationships, trauma and other professional advice such as nutrition, finance and legal services.
Expert clinicians, counsellors, and advisors are available through face-to-face sessions, 24/7 live call centres, video conferencing, learning modules, anonymous live online SMS chats, delivered through the TELUS Health app.
The benefits of Rugby Australia’s partnership with TELUS Health are extended to the Rugby Union Players' Association (RUPA), Member Unions and Classic Wallabies and Wallaroos, with holistic mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing services made available to the broader Australian rugby community.
RUPA CEO Justin Harrison says: "This partnership highlights the critical importance of providing wellbeing support within our Rugby ecosystem.
"Through 24/7 confidential access, the TELUS Health App ensures that past and present players, as well as their families, are supported and heard. We know that it is often difficult to speak up about mental health, and through TELUS Health’s live anonymous chats with qualified health professionals, the app creates a safe platform for communication.
"RUPA is pleased to collaborate with Rugby Australia as we work together to strengthen the envelope of care in wellbeing and development programs for past and present Players and their families.
TELUS Health Australia Managing Director Jamie MacLennan says: "We are delighted to continue our partnership with Rugby Australia and RUPA, and their unwavering commitment to improving the mental health of players and their families.
"At a time of increased pressure, such as work and family issues or cost of living challenges, the impact on our mental health and wellbeing has never been greater.
"The TELUS Health program now includes an expanded range of services, accessed via the TELUS Health One app – which can be used to generate a personalised wellbeing plan, access support materials and online modules, all the while offering immediate and confidential contact through the counsellors.
"The program provides comprehensive mental, physical and financial wellbeing services, designed to allow everyone to live better lives."
