Mindfulness app provider, Headspace, is providing free subscriptions to all unemployed or furloughed workers in the UK and US following the COVID-19 crisis.

The year-long subscription to the upgraded app version – Headspace Plus – will provide access to over 1,200 hours meditation and mindfulness guides to help people de-stress, sleep more soundly and get involved with at-home workouts tutorials.

Headspace has created the scheme in reaction to the current state of unemployment in America and the UK, which it describes as an alarming crisis, to help those who're affected by being out of work.

Founded by former monk Andy Puddicombe and Rich Pierson, Headspace is a healthcare company specialising in meditation offering mindfulness advice and guidance via an app. The app has nearly 60 million users in 190 countries.

Puddicombe said: “We know how devastating unemployment can be, and the stress, anxiety, and health concerns that it can lead to.

“Obviously, mindfulness cannot change the circumstances of the pandemic, but it can help to provide essential tools for managing stress at this difficult time.”

Furloughed or unemployed UK and US workers can sign up for their free subscription, here.