Industry raises thousands for charity at mental health event

Hosted at the AMP event space in Melbourne, the event was created by industry members to provide a safe forum in which men could speak about mental health and learn strategies for dealing with periods of adversity and depression.

The event was the brainchild of several industry members – including MoneyQuest broker Justin Brooker, Trusted Financial Choice associate director Tripti Goyal, and broker mentor Therese O’Neill – after the industry lost several members through suicide this year.

Across Australia, around 3,400 men died by suicide last year, with research suggesting that the impact of suicide deaths is felt by up to 135 people per death, including family members, work colleagues, friends, and first responders.

In a move to better support men in the industry dealing with mental health struggles and provide resources in managing it – as well as raise funds for mental health charity Beyond Blue – the group developed the MANtalk event in partnership with AMP.

At the two-hour event on Friday, brokers heard from psychiatric nurse Kim Graham and the team leader from the Suicide Prevention unit at the Alfred Hospital, Breanna Campbell, on how mental health is treated (in a bid to demystify and normalise the process) and how to identify warning signs that someone may be experiencing poor mental health. Penhaligon Applied Psychology founder Bronwyn Penhaligon outlined how to identify and manage anxiety by repositioning and reframing the thought process.

Ms O’Neill also moderated a panel discussion on how members of the industry had experienced depression in their own lives. The panel included firsthand accounts of battling depression and stories of resilience from: MoneyQuest broker Justin Brooker, MTA Mortgage Brokers broker Kerry Kalendra, and Foster Ramsay Finance broker Chris Foster-Ramsay. During the panel, AMP’s head of intermediary distribution Paul Herbert reflected on his son’s experience with depression and nMB partnership manager Anthony Wick outlined how he had coped with his wife’s MS diagnosis.

Speaking to The Adviser about the event, Ms O’Neill said: “Many of us have struggled this year and talked to those who are struggling and we wanted to really do something about it. By openly discussing mental health and providing resources and support, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate environment for everyone. Breaking down stigmas and promoting understanding are essential steps towards creating a society that prioritises mental wellbeing.

“We decided we wanted to lead with stories from those who were ready to share – because we thought that would have the most connection with the audience. And we also wanted to provide tools and resources, as well as raise funds for Beyond Blue.”

Kerry Kalendra told The Adviser that he was asked to be on the panel to share his story and was “really taken aback to realise that there were at least four other people in our industry that had gone through something themselves or had been on the other end of someone going through something”.

“The experiences might all be different, but the triggers are nearly always the same. So we wanted to show that it is really common to have periods of depression, of poor mental health – and that men should not feel alone. I just think we need to raise more awareness and allow people to feel safe feeling vulnerable and ensure they’re being listened to,” he said, and “know how to identify the triggers”.

Tickets for the event cost $20, with each ticket going to Beyond Blue. After raising $2,400 from ticket sales, the event raised an additional $4,000 at the event itself.

At the end of the event, the AMP Foundation then matched the fundraiser dollar for dollar, taking the total to just over $12,800.

“Our goal was initial $1,000 and then $3,000 and then $5,000. We have just been completely blown away,” Ms O’Neill said.

“AMP Foundation’s generosity in matching donations to Beyond Blue further demonstrates their commitment to this vital cause.”

The organisers have said that the popularity and cut-through of the event will likely lead to further events in future.

SEEK HELP

If you are suffering from depression – 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:

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

www.1800respect.org.au

Lifeline: 13 11 14

www.lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

www.beyondblue.org.au

If you are concerned for your immediate safety or the safety of others, call Triple Zero (000).

[Related: Navigating anxiety in the financial services industry: A call for genuine support]