QBE is stepping up its support for brokers and customers caught up in the NSW/Queensland floods, offering them financial counselling services under a partnership it has with Assure, a mental health organisation.

The insurer says three free confidential counselling sessions for psychological support have been available for all its brokers and customers through Assure since 2019.

It is now extending the offer to include a similar number of sessions for financial counselling until June 30.

The announcement from QBE follows actions taken by the insurer to scale up its claim and support response with the establishment of a dedicated team to manage the flood catastrophe.

“The extreme weather has had a devastating impact on families, communities and businesses, and so access to tangible, impactful support is an incredibly important part of the recovery stage,” QBE Chief Claims Officer Jon Fox said.

“By reaching out and letting Assure know you are a QBE customer or broker, Assure will be able to provide help with mental health management, building resilience and more.

“We understand the impact such a catastrophic event has on residents and businesses. Not just from the damage on properties, but also the emotional and physical impact of cleaning up and rebuilding lives and communities.”

QBE Australia Pacific CEO Sue Houghton recently met with customers, employees and businesses in Lismore in NSW, one of the worst affected towns from the flood disaster.

“Customers and communities are embarking on what will be a long and challenging journey towards recovery, and while we know the work is far from over, our teams will be doing their best to provide support as we work together to enable a more resilient future,” she said.

The QBE Foundation has also contributed $225,000 to community partners and their disaster support initiatives across Queensland and NSW, including to the Australian Red Cross, Save the Children and Foodbank Australia.