Newsroom

GreenShield is planning to introduce mandatory receipt uploads for claims submitted through GreenShield+ (GS+), with a current target implementation date of September 1, 2026. This means rather than keeping receipts for future audits, members will be required to upload it during the claim submission, and GS+ will store it securely*. This change affects only out-of-pocket claims submitted by members through GS+, not claims submitted electronically by healthcare providers.

*All member data is processed/stored within Canada. They use Toronto-based servers that have been audited to meet the highest standards for data security. This includes multiple on-site and off-site encrypted backups, intrusion prevention and detection systems, and various safeguards.

If you have any questions, please contact the Benefits team at Benefits@united-church.ca.

From work meetings and online learning to social media and gaming, screens are a part of everyday life. While technology helps us stay connected and productive, too much screen time can leave us feeling mentally drained, distracted, and disconnected from the world around us.

Digital wellness is about developing healthy technology habits that support both your wellbeing and online safety. This includes managing screen time, creating healthy boundaries, and using technology responsibly. Small changes can make a big difference for adults, teens, and children alike.

Tips for Adults

• Set boundaries around work emails and notifications outside of work hours.
• Schedule screen-free breaks throughout the day to stretch, walk, or rest your eyes.
• Create tech-free zones, such as the dining table, to encourage connection.
• Be mindful of your social media use and the content you consume.
• Stay cyber aware. Be cautious of unexpected emails, texts, or messages requesting personal information, passwords, or financial details. Verify before you click to help avoid phishing scams and fraud.
• Model healthy technology habits, as children often learn by watching the adults around them.

Tips for Teens

• Balance screen time with physical activity, hobbies, and face-to-face interactions.
• Turn off unnecessary notifications to reduce distractions and stress.
• Avoid screens at least one hour before bedtime.
• Remember that social media often shows highlights, not real life.
• Be cautious when interacting online. Never share personal information with strangers and watch for suspicious links, fake giveaways, and phishing attempts.

Tips for Kids

• Establish consistent screen time limits and routines.
• Encourage active play, reading, creative activities, and outdoor time.
• Keep screens out of bedrooms when possible.
• Use parental controls and age-appropriate settings, and have regular conversations about online safety and inappropriate content.

Digital Wellness Challenge

Try one of these simple goals this month:

• Have one screen-free meal each day.
• Take a 10-minute technology break every few hours.
• Create a device-free bedtime routine.
• Spend 30 minutes each day on an offline activity you enjoy.

• Review your privacy settings and learn how to recognize common phishing scams.

Just remember, technology is a tool. When used mindfully – and safely – it can enhance our lives without taking away from the moments that matter most. This August, challenge yourself and your family to create healthier digital habits, strengthen your online safety, and make space for rest, connection, and wellbeing.

Our thoughts are with all those affected by the ongoing wildfires impacting communities across Canada. These events have resulted in evacuations, disrupted lives, and created uncertainty for many individuals and families.

We recognize that our members and their loved ones may be experiencing stress, anxiety, grief, or other challenges related to these events. If you are struggling or need support, resources are available through both GreenShield and TELUS Health.

Immediate Mental Health Support - Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

GreenShield 24/7 Crisis Line

For immediate mental health support, anyone in Canada can call GreenShield's crisis line to speak directly with a mental health professional. 

1-833-707-4747 (English and French)

TELUS Health One

Support is available through the TELUS Health One platform and counselling services.

1-844-671-3327 (English)

1-855-360-5485 (French)

Mental Health and Wellness Online Resources

TELUS Health Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Eligible employees and their family members can access a variety of confidential online mental health and wellness resources through the TELUS Health EFAP.

For those affected by wildfires or other emergencies, TELUS Health's Natural Disasters Toolkit provides information and resources to help individuals and families cope with the emotional, practical, and psychological impacts of natural disasters.

You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone

It is normal to experience a range of emotions during emergencies and natural disasters. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or distressed, please reach out for support. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical well-being.

We encourage anyone affected by the wildfires to make use of the resources available and to check in with family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours who may also need support.

Reminder

If you want to access your EFAP services such as online appointment booking and live chat, you will need to create a personal account. Follow these steps to set up your account.

Website: one.telushealth.com

Sleep and recovery aren’t luxuries; they’re essential foundations for brain health and overall well-being. In a world that often glorifies being busy, it’s easy to overlook rest, but quality sleep is what allows your mind and body to reset, recharge, and perform at their best.

Why Sleep Matters

Sleep plays a critical role in:

• Memory formation – helping your brain process and store new information

• Emotional regulation – supporting resilience and balanced moods

• Mental clarity – improving focus, decision-making, and creativity

When we don’t get enough rest, even simple tasks can feel harder, and stress can feel more intense.

Recovery Is More Than Sleep

True recovery includes intentional pauses throughout your day. This might look like:

• Taking short breaks to reset your focus

• Stepping away from screens

• Engaging in calming activities like walking, stretching, or deep breathing

Recovery gives your brain space to recharge—not just overnight, but continuously.

July Moments to Reflect

• July 24 – International Self-Care Day
  Prioritize habits that support restful sleep, such as setting up a consistent bedtime, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a calming nighttime routine.

• July 30 – International Day of Friendship
  Strong social connections help reduce stress and improve sleep quality. Reach out to a friend, share a conversation, and nurture the relationships that support your well-being.

Small Steps, Big Impact

This month, challenge yourself to:

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule (even on weekends!)

• Create a relaxing wind-down routine

• Make time for meaningful connection and self-care

Your brain, body, and overall health will thank you!

This June, we’re focusing on connection and community, two essential pillars of social wellbeing. When we take time to build meaningful relationships at work, we create more than just a productive environment—we foster a culture of support, collaboration, and belonging.

In today’s fast-paced and often hybrid workplaces, connection doesn’t always happen by chance. It takes intention. Whether it’s a quick check-in with a colleague, participating in team discussions, or simply taking a moment to listen, these small acts can have a big impact. Strong workplace relationships can boost morale, encourage open communication, and help us feel more engaged and supported in our roles.

Why Connection Matters

Social wellbeing thrives when we feel seen, heard, and valued. A sense of community at work can:

• Strengthen teamwork and collaboration
• Increase resilience during busy or challenging times
• Create a more inclusive and positive workplace culture
• Enhance overall wellbeing and job satisfaction

Honoring Pride Month

June is also Pride Month, a time to celebrate and support the 2S and LGBTQIA+ community. It’s an important reminder that true connection starts with inclusion, respect, and authenticity. Creating a workplace where everyone feels safe to be themselves is key to building a strong, connected community.

Pride Month encourages each of us to reflect on how we can contribute to a more inclusive environment, because when we embrace differences and celebrate individuality, we strengthen the fabric of our workplace community.

Small Ways to Build Connection

• Reach out to a colleague you don’t often work with
• Share appreciation or positive feedback
• Practice active listening and empathy
• Support inclusive initiatives and conversations

May is Global Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize a crucial truth: mental health isn’t optional—it’s essential. Just as we care for our physical wellbeing, nurturing our mental and emotional health plays a vital role in living a balanced, fulfilling life.

Mental health shapes how we think, feel, relate to others, and handle daily life. By taking care of our mental wellbeing, we build resilience, sharpen our focus and creativity, and nurture stronger relationships. Above all, it’s a reminder that it’s okay to struggle, and reaching out for support is always a valuable step.

Why Mental Health Awareness Matters

• It reduces stigma. Open conversations help normalize mental health challenges and encourage people to seek help sooner.
• It improves overall wellbeing. Good mental health supports better sleep, stronger physical health, and increased engagement.
• It builds stronger teams. When people feel psychologically safe and supported, they’re more likely to thrive and collaborate.

Small Actions Can Make a Big Difference

Caring for your mental health doesn’t require major changes. A few simple, everyday habits can help:

• Take short breaks during the day to reset and recharge
• Stay connected—reach out to a colleague, friend, or loved one
• Set healthy boundaries between work and personal time
• Practice self‑compassion and challenge negative self‑talk

Support Is Always Available

Mental health experiences are deeply personal, but no one should have to navigate them alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or simply not yourself, reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Explore your EFAP, or consider speaking with a mental health professional.

This May (and every month!), let’s continue to create a community where mental health matters. Check in with yourself. Check in with each other. Together, we can foster a healthier, more compassionate workplace for all.

The Pension and Benefits Administration System (PABAS) Member Portal is open now through May 15, 2026, allowing you to enter:

• Pension beneficiary(ies), and

• Life insurance beneficiary(ies) (for benefits eligible members)

You will receive a letter this week from the Benefits Centre with more information about this eBeneficiary campaign and the steps on how to designate your beneficiary(ies).

If you want to get a head start, you can find an electronic copy of the letter below, and step-by-step instructions can be found on the PABAS page of the Benefits Centre website.

English eBeneficiary letter

French eBeneficiary letter

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at pabas-go-live@united-church.ca or at 1-855-647-8222.

In our busy day-to-day lives, movement can easily become just another task to check off the list. Mindful movement invites us to slow down and reconnect by being fully present as we move—tuning into our bodies, breathing with intention, and letting go of distractions rather than focusing on performance or outcomes. Practiced this way, physical activity supports not only strength, but also mental health, emotional wellbeing, reduced stress, improved focus, and a greater sense of balance throughout the day. 

What does mindful movement look like? 

Mindful movement doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It can include: 

• A gentle stretch break between meetings 

• A short walk outdoors while noticing your surroundings 

• Yoga, tai chi, or Pilates at your own pace 

• Slow, intentional movements paired with deep breathing 

• Light strength or mobility exercises done with awareness and control 

Easy ways to integrate it into your routine 

• Start small: Even five minutes of intentional movement can make a difference. 

• Check in with your body: Notice areas of tension and adjust your movements accordingly. 

• Focus on your breath: Let your breath guide your pace and rhythm. 

• Be kind to yourself: There’s no “right” way—what matters is how it feels for you. 

Mindful Movement Challenge 

Choose one moment each workday to practice mindful movement for five minutes, then pay attention to how your body feels before and after: 

1. Pause what you’re doing and take a few slow, deep breaths 

1. Move gently—stretch, walk, or shift positions with intention 

At the end of the week, reflect: 

• Did you notice a change in your energy or stress levels? 

• Did taking a pause help you feel more grounded or focused? 

Small, mindful moments add up. Just remember, wellness is a journey, not a destination, so keep moving in ways that feel good to you. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen the Care Navigation experience, plan members will now see Medical Second Opinion listed under Telemedicine on GreenShield+. This enhancement, introduced on January 1, directs members to a cobranded landing page where they can easily submit a request online. Members who prefer phone support can continue to reach Novus Health directly at 1‑855‑908‑1275 to speak with a Health Information Specialist. 

What this means for plan members 

Beginning January 1, 2026: 

• Teladoc Medical Experts will no longer accept new requests. They will, however, continue supporting any cases opened before January 1, 2026, ensuring uninterrupted care for members and their dependents. 

• All new medical second opinion requests will be handled by Novus Health, offering a more integrated experience within GreenShield+. 

Get answers to your questions 

Novus Health’s Medical Second Opinion Program can help you get answers to your questions, such as: 

• Do I have the right diagnosis? 

• Are there other treatment options I should consider? 

• Are there any clinical trials currently available for my condition? 

This transition strengthens the long‑term vision for Care Navigation and ensures members continue receiving trusted, high‑quality guidance when navigating important health decisions. 

Women’s health evolves in meaningful ways from youth through later adulthood. Each life stage brings its own set of changes - physical, emotional, and hormonal - so in recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8, we’re highlighting the importance of awareness, proactive care and early support for women at every stage of life. 

During their lifetime, women may experience shifts in menstrual health, reproductive needs, fertility, mental wellbeing, and later in life, the transition through perimenopause and menopause. Understanding these changes helps women make informed decisions and seek support that reflects their unique needs at each stage. 

This month, we’re focusing on awareness around women’s health, with an emphasis on: 

• recognizing how health needs shift over time - what you can get away with in your 20s may not be the same as in your 40s! 

• encouraging regular preventive care (HPV and mammograms) 

• supporting emotional and mental wellbeing 

• promoting open conversations and reducing stigma 

• encouraging use of available benefits and resources, like EFAP 

Every woman’s journey is different—but access to information, care, and supportive environments can make a significant difference in long-term health and quality of life. 

By increasing awareness, we can create space for understanding, empowerment, and healthier outcomes for women at every age. 

Just a reminder, if you want to access your EFAP services such as online appointment booking and live chat, you will need to create a personal account. Follow these steps to set up your account. 

Website: one.telushealth.com

Username: unitedchurch 

Password: eap