The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has launched a wellbeing hub to provide mental health, lifestyle and community support.

The ACCA developed the materials available on its website in collaboration with online personal development coach and Pride of Britain award finalist Ross Anderson, who is now serving as the ACCA’s first wellbeing ambassador.

The materials, which are available to over 500,000 student worldwide, include:

  • Two 3-part podcast series exploring anxiety and sleep
  • Quick tip podcasts on meditation and nutrition
  • Exclusive articles on study, meditation, sleep and exams

The launch of the hub comes following a survey which was issued to students and affiliates to seek their views on mental health, wellbeing, support currently available and what they would like to see developed by the ACCA.

ACCA executive director (people) Julie Hotchkiss said: “The survey garnered a strong response, more than 4,600 students worldwide replied showing the strength of feeling on this serious issue.

“A little more than 28% felt their wellbeing wasn’t being supported adequately – ACCA has listened to them and responded accordingly. We have provided accessible podcasts, videos and articles all with actionable advice to support mental health and wellbeing.

“We recognise our exams are both rigorous and demanding as the qualification produces the future-ready accountants the world needs. It is therefore important for students to know that we are there to support them every step of the way on their journeys to becoming ACCAs.”

Anderson said: “Every organisation has a moral obligation to provide quality wellbeing resources to prevent mental and physical illness and foster mental and physical flourishing.

“Not only is it the right thing to do but it’s the smart thing to do. Unfortunately, few fulfil those obligations and those who do approach it with a lacklustre attitude which yields poor results at best.

“The few who decide to pioneer wellbeing and make it a fundamental part of who they are develop conscious cultures and thus experience growth of many forms.”