Roma launches new team for Mental Health Awareness Week

The lender noted that this week is Mental Health Awareness Week, but argued that support around mental health needs to be a constant.

As a result, it has put together a dedicated mental health first aid team consisting of six members of staff.

James Edwards, Lisa Toner, Olivia Openshaw, Katie Murphy, Jenny Gillies and Tina Parry have all been given specialist training, aimed at helping them to proactively support colleagues and provide staff members with the confidence to speak out when necessary.

Roma said that it has now launched an employee assistance program too, which will allow staff to speak to someone in confidence and receive free counselling, should they wish. 

An open-minded approach to mental health

Jenny Gillies, people and change assistant, said that from an HR perspective it was essential to support colleagues in improving their overall wellbeing and job satisfaction. She added that workers are increasingly prioritising companies which are “open and forward-thinking when it comes to mental health” when considering a new employer.

James Edwards, underwriting team leader, added: “We created the mental health first aiders as a focal point for mental health awareness. Our aim is to remove the stigma associated with mental and physical health to promote a caring culture within the company. We work in a fast-paced and often demanding industry, but people also have fast-paced and stressful lives.”

New research from the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC) found that mental health among mortgage brokers is improving, though work levels remain a concern.