The Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC) has launched its Mental Health Awareness Week initiative with an invitation to ‘Walk and Talk’.
Three of the organisation’s supporters are putting theory into practice with a fundraising 125-mile hike.
Running from 13th May to 19th May, Walk and Talk was designed to promote physical activity and better communication as key ways to boost emotional and psychological wellbeing.
The initiative aims to galvanise mortgage sector employees to discover the mental health benefits of walking outdoors while also discussing personal or professional issues frankly and without embarrassment.
As part of Walk and Talk 2024, MIMHC co-founders Jason Berry (pictured) and Will Lloyd-Hayward will be joined by industry stalwart Jonathan White, director at Number Fifteen Recruitment, when they embark on a sponsored 125-mile walk from Crystal Specialist Finance’s office in Tamworth in the West Midlands, to HSBC’s office in London’s Canary Wharf.
Berry and Lloyd-Hayward will walk an average of 25 miles over five consecutive days to raise awareness about the importance of physical movement for mental wellbeing, while also raising as much money as possible for UK charities who support mental health and wellbeing.
Berry, co-founder of MIMHC and group sales director at Crystal Specialist Finance, said: “The message is simple – let’s get walking, let’s get talking and let’s ensure the best possible mental health for those working in the mortgage sector.
“MIMHC’s new Walk and Talk 2024 initiative aims to achieve this by raising awareness of the many mental health benefits of exercise while also stressing the importance of having full and frank conversations about the way you’re feeling when these become necessary.
“Will, Jonathan and I are all apprehensive about covering the distance we’ll be walking, but we’re certainly looking forward to some good conversations while raising money for a cause close to our hearts.”
They will be joined by: Jane Benjamin, director at Connect for Intermediaries; Kath Stagg, principal/owner of Stagg Mortgage Services; Darrell Walker, head of mortgages sales and distribution at Moda Mortgages; Peter Gwilliam, director of Virtus Search; Bob Hunt, CEO of Paradigm Mortgage Services; Richard Howes, director at Paradigm Mortgage Services; Tom Hunt, relationship manager at Paradigm Mortgage Services; Kris Corns, operations director at Crystal Specialist Finance; Scott Howitt, sales director at Chartwell Mortgage Services; Andrew Milnes, business principal at MAB; and Rob Oliver, distribution director at Dudley Building Society.
MIMHC’s Walk and Talk 2024 initiative is taking place at the same time as this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which is themed on the importance of physical movement for mental wellbeing.
Lloyd-Hayward, co-founder of MIMHC and group chief operating officer at Brightstar Financial, added: “We’re inviting everyone to join us on this journey towards better mental health.
“Throughout Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re also encouraging everyone to track and record their step count – as well as share their photos and personal experiences – using the hashtag #walkandtalk2024
“A mystery prize will be awarded to the mortgage sector individual who undertakes the most steps between Monday, May 13, and Sunday May 19 – although the steps must be validated using a suitable device… Jason, Jonathan and I are not allowed to enter!”
“Together, let’s raise awareness, spark conversations and support each other in prioritising mental wellbeing – one stride at a time.”
To sponsor the team on their journey click here.
