Just Mortgages has marked four years since the launch of its mental health and wellbeing programme for self-employed advisers with a refreshed package of support, including a new podcast and enhanced resources for brokers and their families.
The brokerage, one of the largest in the UK, launched its Individual Assistance Programme in 2021 to address a recognised support gap for self-employed advisers. The initiative, developed in partnership with Health Assured, offers confidential, 24-hour access to mental health support alongside a wide range of digital wellbeing tools.
The programme combines an independent helpline with online resources, workshops and self-led training. It now includes more than 37 modules and wellbeing initiatives, covering areas such as mental health, stress management, relationships, financial wellbeing and life events including menopause.
These are available via Just Mortgages’ learning and development platform, which is accessible to all brokers at any time.
The initiative is led by Sian Musial, a qualified wellbeing practitioner and learning and development consultant at Just Mortgages. She works alongside the wider training team to deliver both in-person and remote sessions across a broad curriculum that includes sales, compliance and leadership.
Musial 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. 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.”
She added: “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.”
The initiative is now embedded throughout Just Mortgages’ operations, forming part of induction, appraisals and leadership programmes. Regular communications, including Facebook group posts and monthly articles, help maintain awareness and address current issues such as financial wellbeing and the cost of living crisis.
Carl Parker, national director of Just Mortgages, added: “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.”
