Broker forum cherryplc.co.uk has launched an online site where brokers can discuss ways to boost their mental health during the pandemic.

Tunbridge Wells-based cherry said its Mental Health of Mortgage Brokers forum has “already proven popular”, with advisors “sharing ways in which they are struggling and discussing practical tips and advice on caring for their mental health”.

Cherry director Donna Hopton says: “Mental health is always an important consideration and maintaining good mental health can be a particular challenge for brokers at the moment. We are lucky that our industry has remained busy, but many brokers are working beyond their capacity and have the added pressure of clients who need to complete within the stamp duty holiday.

“At the same time, lockdown has brought extra pressures such as homeschooling and, with many mortgage brokers working on their own, it can be particularly isolating. Brokers can choose to post anonymously should they wish, and the forum provides a supportive environment to share struggles and frustrations.”

Hopton says that the forum is free to use for brokers and that “many of the participants have posted practical tips and strategies that they use to help manage their mental health throughout this difficult period.”

Prior to the first lockdown, roughly 10 per cent of people showed moderate to severe symptoms, compared with 19 per cent in June 2020, according to the Office for National Statistics.