AFG expands mental health service to brokers

While the aggregator has been giving its staff access to a national network of professional mental health specialists and covered the expense whenever they have required support through the AFG Employee Assistance Program (EAP), it is now expanding it and offering the same service to all AFG brokers across Australia.

AFG has collaborated with national national psychology consulting firm and mental health services provider Mind & Matter Consulting for its broker initiative, which has clinics across Australia and is the same firm it has been using for the EAP.

In addition, the aggregator has created a confidential 1800 number for AFG brokers to access the service.

AFG brokers will receive the details about how to access this service some time this week, according to the aggregator.

Commenting on the program for brokers, AFG CEO David Bailey said he is aware of the toll a broker’s job could take on their wellbeing amid the stresses and pressures, which drove the aggregator to launch BAP.

He also noted that brokers are on the frontline supporting their clients as they make some of their most important decisions in good times and in bad.

“Awareness of mental health is increasing, but we still face a world where people with mental health problems face discrimination and challenges getting the help they need,” Mr Bailey said.

“We are all human, and we are all vulnerable to illness. When our mental health suffers, everything around us is affected, including our work.

“I’m very pleased that we can offer this kind of assistance to our brokers.”

The aggregator cited figures from the Black Dog Institute, which revealed that one in six working age people will have a mental health issue at any point in time, while around 45 per cent of Australians aged between 16 and 85 will experience a mental health issue at some point in their life.

If you are suffering from depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, or any other mental health issues, or you’re worried about someone else and feel that professional support is needed, contact your local doctor or one of the 24/7 crisis agencies below:

• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
  beyondblue.org.au
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
  lifeline.org.au
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
  suicidecallbackservice.org.au

For urgent medical or police help, freecall Triple Zero (000).

[Related: AFG-Connective merger unlikely to complete]