What is your name and where you live?

I’m Caroline and I live in a small village in Oxfordshire.

What is your association is with the insurance industry?

I fell into Insurance by accident in 2007 when a position came up whilst I was job hunting. Initially I worked for an intermediary for six years, and then in 2013 moved to an HNW insurer where I ran the agency department. My company was then acquired by Zurich Insurance and here I am, 17 years later, still in insurance, working as an Insight analyst for Zurich.

When did you first contact The Insurance Charity and why?

I have suffered with mental health issues since my teens. Some family issues in early 2023 were the catalyst for me needing a break from work, and I was signed off for what would end up being four months. Through work I had an assessment for free counselling sessions we have available but following the assessment I was unfortunately advised the service was not suitable for me.

I then turned to Talking Therapies, and after an assessment with them, was also told that their service was not suitable. At this point I began to feel no one could help me and was desperate. The assessor was very kind and told me not to panic and that they would try and find me some help. She referred my case to her manager which resulted in further assessments and being told I needed psychotherapy for grief and trauma. They suggested a minimum of 18 sessions which were offered for free, but the problem was there was a four-month waiting list.

At this point I decided my only option was to try private therapy. I found a therapist and began my journey with her but at £200 a month I was seriously struggling, in debt and once again feeling desperate.

I had begun my phased back to work and joined a group session on Teams about mental health. During the conversation, I mentioned my return to work and that I was really struggling. One of our company’s Mental Health First Aiders then reached out to me.

What was the turning point that made you contact us?

In the conversation with our Mental Health First Aider, she mentioned The Insurance Charity, when I said I couldn’t afford therapy but that I felt I really couldn’t afford to not have it either. Once again feeling desperate. I just thought it had to be worth a try.

Did you had any reservations about contacting us before you got in touch?

None, I did not know anything about you until this point and I was at the stage when it felt like this was my last chance to get help.

How did The Insurance Charity support you?

When I first contacted The Insurance Charity, I had no expectations only hope. I had met so many obstacles so far, but just thought I had nothing to lose. The Charity was clear from the start, that I had to meet some criteria and would need to provide certain documentation to complete an application. They answered all my questions and explained what I needed to do. I had a call with one of the team, and the next day I received an email.

I was so nervous and only expected the bare minimum. In fact, deep down, I think I was expecting a letter saying that they were unable to help at all. However, I was blown away. I was speechless to not only receive a letter saying that they can offer me support but that they would help me get my finances to a better place to alleviate some of the additional pressure I felt. They confirmed they would pay for my therapy for a year and reimburse what I had already paid for up to that point. I think I must have read it six or seven times to get it to sink in.

Has your situation improved since receiving support from The Insurance Charity?

Massively. I am still in therapy and exploring my options to be able to continue once the 12 months is up. Because of the help I received from The Insurance Charity, my ongoing therapy and the phased return to work programme implemented by my employer, I have managed to get back to full time hours.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I am beyond grateful for the support I received at a time when I was facing nothing but obstacles and was thinking I had nowhere else to turn. It truly came at just the right time. The support that pays for my therapist has kept me on the path to sorting out my past, and the feeling of seeing a more positive future is indescribable.

The combination of my employer’s Mental First Aider contacting me at the right time, the support from my work and that of the Insurance Charity, plus access to right therapy without a wait has truly saved me.

What would you say to anyone thinking of contacting us for support?

To anyone thinking about contacting you I would absolutely say do it! You have nothing to lose, and potentially an awful lot to gain. I will be forever grateful.

*Stock imagery used