Life insurance specialist TAL will launch a new initiative to help financial advisers (FAs) and licensees manage and enhance their mental health, alongside their clients' personal and mental wellbeing, as the advice industry faces significant changes.
As a way to contribute to discussions on mental health in line with Mental Health Month, TAL will launch a series of live and on-demand content that provides insights and tips around the appropriate support for a grieving person, helping advisers hone their empathy skills to enable deeper engagement with clients, and building greater understanding around the importance of self-care so they can continue to provide quality support to clients and engage effectively.
In addition, the series will provide licensees with practical tools and tips to support their advisers and themselves.
Glenn Baird, the head of mental health at TAL, said the changes in the industry and the challenges in Australia and globally highlighted the significance of maintaining mental health and wellbeing.
“This significance is magnified when you consider the role a financial adviser plays in the life and wellbeing of their clients – to effectively support the mental health and overall wellbeing of their clients, they must be engaged with their own mental health,” Baird added.
The new series will be available on TAL's industry-leading education program, TAL Risk Academy, and delivered jointly by Baird. He will be joined by Lifeline Australia head of crisis services and quality, Rachel Bowes, and Mantle Health co-founder, Dave Burroughs.
“As a specialist life insurer with an in-house Health Services Team, TAL is committed to playing an active role in enhancing the advice sector's level of understanding and knowledge around mental health,” Baird said.
“The TAL Risk Academy mental wellbeing courses are designed to inspire positive change by equipping advisers and licensees with the tools and services to adapt to the evolving mental health landscape and start supportive conversations to help them better connect with their clients.”
Bowes stated that Lifeline Australia partnered with TAL as the financial advice sector continues to go through a challenging period.
“We worked with TAL Risk Academy to develop a course that supports advisers, especially when engaging with clients at a difficult time. Positive communication skills are invaluable when it comes to sensitive topics such as mental health; that's why we are encouraging advisers and licensees alike to keep up their education and engagement in this space,” Bowes added.
