TAL launches natural disaster recovery course

In a statement released on Monday, TAL said the new course would focus on the mental health aspects of natural disasters and their effect on clients, with input from the life insurer’s head of mental health, Glenn Baird, as well as post-traumatic mental health organisation Phoenix Australia.

Mr Baird said the launch of the course was timely given the recent natural disasters experienced by many Australians over the summer, including bushfires and storms.

“Studies show that those impacted [by disasters] can experience adverse changes to their mental health due to the stresses brought about by the effects of natural disasters on their income, accommodation or personal relationships,” he said.

“Financial advisers can play an important role in helping their impacted customers to deal with these challenges and TAL’s Risk Academy course will cover the ways that advisers can support these recovery efforts.”

During the course, advisers will get the opportunity to ask questions with Phoenix Australia clinical psychologist Nicole Sadler around how clients can be affected by natural disasters and how to navigate resulting difficult situations.

“We’re delighted to be working with TAL to build the capability of financial advisers to understand the potential impacts of natural disasters on the mental health of Australians,” Ms Sadler said.

“By working together, we are positively contributing to the national recovery efforts and building resilience in our community.”

The life insurer said the course would launch as a live webinar on 26 February.