Two support initiatives have been started in the ‘Big Tent’ online forum for Paraplanners run by the Powwows.

Claire Lindsay from MHA Henderson Loggie (Big Tent username 'Clairebear512') has started a thread for Paraplanners to check in with each other. 

And Richard Allum has started a thread offering to organise a group for outsourced or freelance Paraplanners who may be worried about their business.

Powwows say there has been considerable interest already in the support ideas.

Any Paraplanner or Financial Planning administrator can sign up to the Paraplanners Powwow Big Tent.

Richard Allum said: "These are just two examples of how Paraplanners are already using the Powwow as a focal point for our professional community - gathering together to support one another.

“It's exactly what the Powwow is all about - spaces created by Paraplanners for Paraplanners to learn things, fix things and share things. In the days and weeks ahead, the ability to continue to gather via the Powwow could be invaluable for Paraplanners, and their own businesses or the businesses that they work for."

Claire Lindsay said: “I couldn’t sleep the other night and the idea of people checking in with each other was something that just popped into my head. I know it must be really hard for people just now that are feeling alone and just wanted to see if I could do something to help.”