Back in January, the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA), who lead the Access to Insurance Signposting Working group, launched its 2020 Manifesto with an objective that I fully support: where we can, better access to protection insurance must be granted for the majority, not a select few.
The RedArc Personal Nurse Advisers are one example of how the industry can point people in the right direction for practical advice and emotional support in handling a mental health issue, whether it be related to illness, disability, trauma or bereavement.
By empathising and taking time to get to know people, they are able to offer a compassionate service that can make all the difference.
Mental Health Awareness Week serves as a reminder to all advisers and insurers to take a step back and look at their processes, company website and any other customer facing channels and ask whether these are as welcoming as what they could be for those battling with their mental wellbeing.
Johnny Timpson is protection specialist at Scottish Widows