AMP launches mental health program for advisers
AMP has launched an updated mental health training program for its staff and AMP advisers to build knowledge and skills needed to engage with people experiencing mental health issues.
AMP said the program has been developed with the Black Dog Institute and has been updated with improved tools and functionality, and was above the Financial Services Council’s standard around mental health education.
The program is designed to give people the tools to managed difficult and challenging conversations so that they feel they can support the customer or colleague, including how to direct people to further help, while taking care of their own mental health.
AMP group executive for insurance, Megan Beer, said in 2016 mental health was the top AMP claim condition for women and the second highest for men.
“Improving outcomes for customers impacted by mental health needs a holistic approach; a person’s family, insurer, adviser and GP all need to be on the same page,” Beer said.
“This is why we’re making this training as accessible as possible, beyond just customer facing insurance staff, by offering it to all our staff and AMP advisers.
“We need to focus on education and building awareness at a community level and bust the myths that are barriers to people seeking the help they need.”
Beer noted that the industry needed to ensure people were not afraid of seeking medical assistance because of concerns about insurance implications.
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