Jason Berry, co-founder of the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC) and group sales director at Crystal Specialist Finance, will embark on a six-day walk from Birmingham to London to raise awareness of mental health in the mortgage sector.
Berry will be joined by Dev Malle, chief business development officer at Simplify, as they complete the entire length of the Grand Union Canal, setting off from Digbeth on Sunday 11 May and concluding at a celebratory reception in London Victoria on Friday 16 May, sponsored by Landbay.
The event is designed to highlight the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the mortgage industry, encouraging conversations while promoting the benefits of exercise and social interaction.
With this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme being ‘community’, Berry and Malle will be joined daily by ‘leggers’—members of the mortgage industry who will walk different segments of the route. Each day, they will cover an average of 23 miles. Signatory members of MIMHC and other supporters are invited to register their interest and join for any part of the journey or participate remotely by engaging in physical activity during the same week.
Jason Berry said: “Walking has been an incredible outlet for me, both physically and mentally. It’s a chance to clear my mind, reflect on the day, and connect with nature. Walking is known to enhance mood, reduce stress and improve sleep quality. I’m thrilled to be walking during this important week and invite everyone to join me on this journey towards better mental health.”
Anyone interested in taking part in Walk and Talk 2025 can register their details on the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter website.
