Expanding our claims support and empowering recovery services

Health & Wellbeing -

As part of TAL’s Health for Life proposition, we’ve expanded our suite of Claims Support and Empowering Recovery services with a range of new, innovative and evidence-based programs. Developed in partnership with industry experts, these new programs reflect the evolving needs of members, particularly those navigating complex health or life circumstances.  

These services are now available to eligible members on claim. They are designed to support the member's journey back to health and, where possible, back to work.

Here's what's new:

  1. PAUSE Women's Health Program
    The PAUSE Women’s Health Program is a structured, occupational therapist–led initiative that supports women experiencing significant disruption to their work and life roles due to hormonal changes, such as menopause. The program aims to provide tailored support to a demographic that often faces stigma or under-recognition when it comes to health-related work disruption.

    Delivered over 8-12 weeks, the program combines health education, functional assessments and goal setting to help members build resilience and regain capacity.
  2. ADHD Program 
    Our new ADHD Program provides focused support for neurodiverse members or those with ADHD or autism through diagnostic services, behavioural therapy and practical strategies to improve daily functioning. 

    The program equips members with the tools and understanding needed to manage their condition more effectively, to ultimately help improving their wellbeing and enabling progress towards their return-to-work goals.
  3. Social Work & Vulnerable Members 
    This service connects members experiencing complex personal challenges such as financial hardship, housing instability, mental health concerns or family violence with experienced social workers. 

    The support is tailored and may include: 

    • Financial counselling
    • Housing and domestic violence support
    • Mental health referrals
    • Disability advocacy
    • Navigating community and government services

    By addressing these broader social determinants of health, we can help stabilise members' circumstances so they can focus on recovery and future planning.
  4. Animal Assisted Support - pilot phase
    TAL’s Animal Assisted Support program is currently in a pilot phase with a select group of customers on claim. This program uses guided interaction with horses to support mental health recovery for members with diagnoses of PTSD, anxiety or depression. By engaging with horses in a structured setting, members can build emotional regulation, self-esteem and communication skills.  

    This small-scale pilot is being independently evaluated in partnership with the University of Southern Queensland to better understand the program’s impact on recovery and overall wellbeing. Following the pilot, and subject to its outcomes, we’ll consider offering the program more broadly to eligible members where it aligns with their recovery goals and clinical needs.

Holistic support for members

These additions to our service offering reflect TAL’s ongoing commitment to holistic, person-centred care. Our approach reflects our Health for Life philosophy, which is not only about treating specific conditions but also considering the full picture of a member’s life and health. 

CASE STUDY: Supporting a member's return to work

Background

A former sales representative who came onto claim with a range of health challenges including depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder and physical conditions such as staph infection, migraines, hyperthyroidism, bronchitis and osteoarthritis.

Barriers

Despite a strong desire to return to work, they faced significant personal challenges:

  • Substance misuse
  • Marriage breakdown
  • Risk of domestic violence
  • Risk of homelessness

These psychosocial stressors created instability, limiting their ability to focus on recovery. 

Support provided

TAL took a holistic approach to support the member's health and work-readiness goals:

  1. Social Work Support

    The member was referred to our Social Work Progrm, which coordinated with their GP to address substance misuse and connected them with specialised counselling services. The program also supported them in securing permanent housing for themselves and their dog, providing safety and stability. 
  2. Vocational Counselling

    Once stabilised, they received tailored vocational support, including resume updates, job search assistance, and interview preparation, in collaboration with their job network provider.
  3. Exercise Physiology

    To build their physical and mental readiness, they engaged in an exercise physiology program focusing on improving stamina routine, and overall work capacity.
Outcome

With the coordinated support across multiple services, the member was able to regain control of their life and health, which enabled them to secure full-time, permanent employment. 

Impact

This member's story demonstrates the value of a holistic, person-centred approach that addresses members life challenges as well as their health challenges. This can go a long way towards helping members return to work and life with renewed confidence and stability. 

For our super fund partners, these programs strengthen the support we offer members when they need it most, helping them recover more effectively, return to life and work with confidence, and reinforcing the trust they place in both their super fund and TAL.

If you'd like to learn more about any of these services, speak to your Partnership Manager.

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