AMP updates mental health training program

The new program, developed in conjunction with mental illness research group Black Dog Institute, is “well above the FSC standard” for mental health education, AMP said in a statement, and will provide advisers with “improved tools and functionality”.

“With one in five people suffering from mental illness at any given time, we are committed to the role we play not only as an insurer, but as an employer and an advice partner,” said AMP group executive for insurance Megan Beer.

According to the statement, mental health issues were the most common claim condition for women in 2016, and the second most common for men, and the training will teach advisers to manage difficult conversations, direct them to seek out further help and care for their own mental health.

“Improving outcomes for customers impacted by mental health needs a holistic approach; a person’s family, insurer, adviser and GP all need to be on the same page,” Ms Beer said.

“This is why we’re making this training as accessible as possible, beyond just customer facing insurance staff, by offering it to all our staff and AMP advisers.”