Howden Life & Health
Howden Life & Health: Here for you, no matter what
At Howden Life & Health, we know that life can bring unexpected challenges, and everyone’s situation is unique. Whatever challenges you’re facing, our commitment is to be here for you, offering support, reassurance, and guidance when you need it most. Below, you’ll find ways we can assist in various situations, along with resources to empower you to make the best decisions for yourself.
01 Mental wellbeing matters
Mental wellbeing matters
When you’re going through a tough time with your mental health, even the simplest tasks can feel overwhelming. It’s okay to feel this way, and we’re here to support you, step-by-step, so you’re not going through this alone.
How we can support you:
- Flexible, patient conversations: Whether you need extra time, prefer shorter calls, or find email easier, just let us know. We understand that everyone moves at their own speed, and we’re here to match yours.
- Clear and simple information: We’ll walk you through each step with no rush. If it helps, we can provide summaries of our conversations, so you have something to review later.
Further resources:
- MIND – Call 0300 123 3393 or visit mind.org.uk
- The Samaritans – Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
- Anxiety UK – Call 0344 477 5774 or visit anxietyuk.org.uk
02 Supporting you through illness
Supporting you through illness
Facing or recovering from an illness can be a long, challenging journey. You deserve the time and space to focus on your health, and we’re here to help by making the details easier to manage. Let us provide support so you can concentrate on what matters most.
How we can support you:
- Personalised assistance: If you find it easier to discuss things in the afternoons or prefer written updates, we can work around your schedule and needs.
- Empathetic listening: We’re here to take things as slow as you need. For example, if you’d like to cover just one question at a time, that’s perfectly fine with us.
Further resources:
- Maggie’s (Cancer Support) – Call 0800 888 6678 or visit maggies.org
- Macmillan Cancer Support – Call 0800 808 0000 or visit macmillan.org.uk
03 Physical disabilities
Physical disabilities
Living with a physical disability means having unique needs, and we’re committed to ensuring your experience with us is as smooth and accessible as possible. You deserve the flexibility to manage things in a way that works for you, and we’re here to adapt to what suits you best.
How we can support you:
- Support tailored to you: If you prefer written communication or find it helpful to include a caregiver in our discussions, we’ll make it work for you.
- Respect for your time: We know things can take a bit longer. Whether it’s scheduling extra time for calls or offering detailed follow-ups, we’re here to adapt.
Further resources:
- Scope – Call 0808 800 3333 or visit scope.org.uk
04 Hearing or visual impairments
Hearing or visual impairments
We know that accessible communication is essential, and we’re ready to adapt to your preferences. Whether it’s large print documents or using Relay UK for phone calls, we’re here to make it easy for you to stay connected and informed in a way that works for you.
How we can support you:
- Flexible communication: If you need large print materials or prefer Relay UK services, we’ll make it happen. Just let us know what works best for you.
- Easy follow-ups: We’re happy to provide written summaries if you’d like to review information at your convenience.
Further resources:
- Action on Hearing Loss – Call 0808 808 0123 or visit actiononhearingloss.org.uk
- Sightline Vision – Call 0800 587 2252 or visit sightline.org.uk
- Relay UK – Call 0800 7311 888 or visit relayuk.bt.com
05 New parents
New parents
Welcoming a new baby is both exciting and life-changing, with new routines and plenty to adjust to. We’re here to make it simple and straightforward, so you can focus on the moments that matter with your growing family.
How we can support you:
- Flexible schedules: If it’s more convenient to speak after hours or during naptimes, we’ll work with your schedule.
- Easy follow-ups: We can provide written summaries that you can review when you have a quiet moment, so you don’t have to worry about remembering all the details.
Further resources:
- Sands (baby loss) – Call 00808 164 3332 or visit sands.org.uk
- Life Charity (pregnancy) – Call 0808 802 5433 or visit lifecharity.org.uk
- Maternity Action – Call 0207 253 2288 or visit maternityaction.org.uk
06 Recently lost your job
Recently lost your job
Losing a job can bring a lot of uncertainty, and it’s okay to feel unsure about what’s next. We’re here to help you explore options that make sense for your current situation.
How we can support you:
- Policy review: Together, we’ll go over your policy to see what adjustments might help. If you’d prefer to discuss things in stages, we’re here to accommodate.
Further resources:
- Citizens Advice – Call 0808 800 3333 or visit citizensadvice.org.uk
- Turn2us – visit turn2us.org.uk
- Government support – visit gov.uk
07 Income shock
Income shock
A sudden change in income can make you feel like you’ve lost control, but you have the flexibility to adjust your coverage as your circumstances evolve. We’re here to help you make changes that keep you protected.
How we can support you:
- Flexible coverage options: We’ll review your policy together and explore adjustments to suit your situation. For example, we can look at ways to temporarily reduce your coverage until things stabilize.
Further resources:
- Turn2us – visit turn2us.org.uk
- Money Advice Service – Call 0333 242 0013 or visit moneyadvice.co.uk
08 Caring for a loved one
Caring for a loved one
Taking care of a loved one can be both rewarding and demanding. You don’t have to handle everything on your own, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
How we can support you:
- Personalised help: Whether you’d like a family member, friend, or carer involved in the conversation, we’ll make that happen in a way that works for you.
Further resources:
- Carers UK – Call 0808 808 7777 or visit carersuk.org
- Age UK – Call 0800 678 1602 or visit ageuk.org.uk
- Office of the Public Guardian – Call 0300 456 0300 or visit gov.uk/power-of-attorney
09 Bereavement support
Bereavement support
Losing someone close to you is one of life’s most difficult experiences. It’s okay to take all the time you need, and we’re here to handle the details so you can focus on healing.
How we can support you:
- A compassionate approach: We’ll support you at your pace. For instance, if you’re only ready to discuss one aspect at a time, we’ll make sure that’s all we cover during our calls.
Further resources:
- Cruse Bereavement Care – Call 0808 808 1677 or visit cruse.org.uk
- The Bereavement Trust – Call 0800 435 455 or visit bereavement-trust.org.uk
10 Relationship changes
Relationship changes
Going through a separation or divorce can be challenging. We’re here to help you make adjustments to your policy that reflect your new circumstances, so you can feel secure and ready to move forward.
How we can support you:
- Policy adjustments: We’ll guide you through any updates and explore ways to ensure you’re covered. If you’d prefer written summaries or follow-ups, we’re happy to provide them.
Further resources:
- Gingerbread (for single parents) – Call 0808 802 0925 or visit gingerbread.org.uk
- Civil Legal Advice – Call 0345 345 4345 or visit gov.uk/civil-legal-advice
- Families Need Fathers – Call 0300 030 0363 or visit fnf.org.uk
11 Gender sensitivity
Gender sensitivity
Your identity is an important part of who you are, and we’re here to ensure you feel respected and valued. We’ll work with you to make sure your details reflect who you are, and we’re ready to listen and adjust to your needs.
How we can support you:
- Respectful service: If you’d like us to update your name, pronouns, or other personal details, just let us know. We’re here to ensure you feel fully supported and seen.
Further resources:
- Gender Identity Clinic – Call 0208 938 7590 or visit gic.nhs.uk
- Mermaids (gender diversity) – Call 0808 801 0400 or visit mermaidsuk.org.uk
- Trans Unite (gender diversity) – visit transunite.co.uk
12 Domestic violence
Domestic violence
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We understand that this can be a very difficult time, and you’re not alone. We’re here to provide compassionate and confidential support, ensuring you have access to the resources you need to feel safe and in control of your situation.
How we can support you:
- Private and secure communication: If you need to update your contact information or explore secure ways to communicate, we’ll respect your need for discretion. For example, we can offer alternative communication methods to protect your privacy and ensure your safety.
- Confidential policy support: If you require specific adjustments to your policy for safety reasons, we’re here to listen and make these changes confidentially, so you feel secure at every step.
Further resources:
- Victim Support – Call 0808 168 9111 or visit victimsupport.org.uk
- Women’s Aid (Online chat service) – visit womensaid.org.uk
- Men’s Advice Line – Call 0808 801 0327 or visit mensadviceline.org.uk
13 Limited mental capacity
Limited mental capacity
We know that processing complex information can be challenging, and we’re here to offer support that meets you where you are. Our goal is to make things straightforward and accessible, so you can feel informed and empowered, whatever your needs may be.
How we can support you:
- Clear, simple language: We’re committed to explaining things in plain language and avoiding jargon to make information accessible.
- Supporting your network: If you’d like to involve a friend, family member, or carer, we’re happy to include them in our conversations.
Further resources:
- Dementia UK – Call 0800 888 6678 or visit dementiauk.org
- Alzheimer’s Society – Call 0333 150 3456 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
- Mencap (learning disability) – Call 0808 808 1111 or visit mencap.org.uk
- British Dyslexia Association – Call 0333 405 4567 or visit bdadyslexia.org.uk
- King's Trust – Call 0800 842 842 or visit kingstrust.org.uk
- Reading Agency – Call 0207 324 2544 or visit readingagency.org.uk