Just Mortgages has marked four years of its mental health and wellbeing scheme for self-employed brokers with a new podcast and updated support resources.
The individual assistance programme started in 2021 and offers brokers and their families 24/7 support all year round, including a confidential helpline run by Health Assured.
The scheme is designed to fill a gap in support for self-employed advisers compared to those in employed roles.
It features online resources, workshops, guides and now more than 37 training modules on topics like mental health, stress, relationships, financial troubles and big life events such as the menopause.
Additionally, the company has renewed its partnership with Health Assured and rolled out new internal communications, including a podcast and regular updates on Facebook and monthly articles on wellbeing, financial issues and the cost of living.
The programme is now included in induction, manager training, appraisals and reviews across the business.
Carl Parker (pictured), national director at Just Mortgages, said: “The four year anniversary is a great opportunity to celebrate the successes of the programme and the hard work of Sian in developing and deploying this valuable resource.
“It forms an integral part of the support structure we place around all our brokers from day one to help them succeed – whether that’s access to training and mentoring from our expert management team or day-to-day support with sales, marketing and compliance.
“While this is all important in supporting the broker, programmes such as our Individual Assistance Programme ensure we are also supporting the person, as well as their families.”
Sian Musial, wellbeing practitioner and learning and development consultant at Just Mortgages, said: “Buying a home can be one of the most stressful things you can do, but we mustn’t forget the stress felt by brokers during this process.
“In addition to an intense, high pressure profession, self-employed brokers have the added stress of running their own business, as well as perhaps their own health challenges, major life events or struggles with mental health and wellbeing.
“While being self-employed brings a lot of freedom, it can also mean missing out on the type of support that employed roles often provide.”
Musial added: “This gap has been recognised by Just Mortgages and I’m proud of the programme of support we have put in place and the success it has achieved.
“The growth over those four years has been significant with a full range of training modules, wellbeing initiatives and material now available, alongside our brilliant helpline and support from Health Assured.
“Our new podcast, resources and comms strategy means that at every level of the business and from new starter to veteran colleagues, everyone will be aware of the support available to them and importantly, to their families too.”
