More problematic still, if clients ask to withdraw huge sums of money, do you inquire why? Do you have details of next of kin for all your clients, particularly those who live alone?
Perhaps, if a client needs medical help and ignores tactful hints, an informal and tactful word (as much as Data Protection Act allows) may nip a major problem in the bud.
If you suspect the onset of dementia in older clients, what would you do? At least one of your clients could develop dementia this year. If your client attends a meeting with you and seems to be not quite all there, what would be your next move?
Help yourself so you can help others
Mental health is usually the most common cause of claims on income protection policies in the UK. A nervous breakdown or depression, or drug or alcohol addiction could happen to anyone, even you.
The Association of British Insurers has a free Chartered Insurance Institute-accredited course for advisers and front-line staff, developed with Rightsteps, a wellbeing specialist. It might be a useful start.
No one lives a carefree, 100-year life, stuff happens. Don’t clam up. Find someone you can talk to on whatever is on your mind, from debt, divorce or death.
No one is beyond help. The Samaritans are always there for you and yours 24-hours a day.
Their unsung volunteers are ready for everyone, from just a chat for someone lonely at night to the imminently suicidal. But they’re not trained mental health professionals: A&E for 24-hours mental or physical emergencies is a starting point. They never close.
Stephanie Hawthorne is a freelance journalist and former editor of Pensions World
