This year’s Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC) Walk and Talk brought together dozens of people from across the mortgage community. The participants demonstrated the diverse nature of the sector with representation from mainstream and specialist lenders, adviser firms and individuals, mortgage clubs, mortgage networks, conveyancers, specialist recruiters, journalists and technology providers.
Between them they covered 144 miles in six days, raising awareness of mental health issues, while at the same time raising more than £15,000 for the Niall Stringer Foundation, a charity dedicated to preventing suicide among young people. The total funds raised well exceeded the initial target of £10,000, but more funds are always welcome and anyone can donate here until the end of June.
Niall Stringer was a caring young man and a keen rugby player, who sadly took his own life shortly before his 18th birthday. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among the under-35s in the UK. Niall’s family, coach and teammates set up the Niall Stringer Foundation to promote awareness of mental health and wellbeing through sports clubs at all levels across the country, and help them contribute to the prevention of youth suicide.
The Walk and Talk event, which took place during Mental Health Awareness Week, was spearheaded by Jason Berry, co-founder of the MIMHC and group sales director at Crystal Specialist Finance, and Dev Malle, chief business development officer at Simplify. The journey covered the entire length of the Grand Union Canal, starting in Digbeth, on Sunday 11th May, and ending in London Victoria on Friday 16th May at a celebratory reception sponsored by Landbay.
The aim of the annual event is to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversations about mental health and wellbeing in the mortgage sector, encouraging open discussions while embracing the benefits of exercise and social connection.
The Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter was established in 2021 to unite individuals and organisations across the mortgage sector in a shared commitment to improving mental health awareness, support and wellbeing. It promotes open conversations, challenges stigma and provides tools and guidance to help employers and employees prioritise mental health in the workplace.
Jason Berry commented: “I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved through this year’s Walk and Talk. A huge thank you to my walking partner, Dev Malle, whose support, spirit and humour were constant throughout the 144 miles. I’m also immensely grateful to every single person who took part or donated—we felt the strength of our mortgage community with every step.
“Special thanks also go to our fantastic sponsors — Afin Bank, Crystal Specialist Finance, Landbay, Moda, Simplify and Together — whose support ensures that every penny raised can go directly to the Niall Stringer Foundation. This incredible charity is doing vital work to help prevent suicide among young people, and I know Niall’s legacy continues to inspire so many of us to do more, talk more, and look out for one another.
“Next year promises to be bigger and better with new routes already being proposed and huge interest from leggers who would like to join.”
