In the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter’s (MIMHC) latest ‘Keep the Conversation Going’ interview, Emma Hollingworth, chief distribution officer at LSL Group, turned the tables to interview Jason Berry, group sales director of Crystal Specialist Finance and co-founder of the MIMHC.
MIMHC provides a platform for signatories to share insights and strategies for promoting mental wellbeing in the workplace.
In a wide-ranging conversation, the pair discussed why mental health and wellbeing are so important to Berry, why – supported by Jo Breeden – he decided to co-found MIMHC, the progress the charter has made.
The pair also highlighted what still needs to be done to make a real difference in the mortgage industry.
Berry said: “My own story starts when I was 11 or 12 and part of a football team that was managed by one of the biggest paedophiles in the UK.
“I was never directly exposed to him myself because my father had a sixth sense about the man.
“So when other lads would go and stay at Barry’s house I was never allowed, which seemed like a tragedy at the time.
“Because I was not included, between the ages of 11 and 16 I experienced bullying and isolation at the hands of this manipulative individual and was often left out of the team.
“Of course, in hindsight I was extremely lucky – my friends have horrendous stories that would make your toes curl. But I remember the feeling of isolation.”
Berry also shared how the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic deeply resonated with him.
He noted: “Fast forward to the Covid environment, the isolation and loneliness people in our industry were experiencing, and the struggles people have subsequently had working from home really struck a chord with me.”
He also highlighted the courage shown by industry leaders who shared their personal mental health challenges, stating: “At the same time, a few leaders in our industry showed great courage in speaking up and sharing their own, deeply personal, stories about their own mental health challenges and past experiences.”
Berry expressed his strong belief that those who spoke out should not feel isolated, adding: “I felt deeply that these people speaking out should not feel alone – and that colleagues in the industry should not be suffering in silence.
“We all need coping mechanisms in difficult times and opening up and talking is crucial.”
He explained that while Crystal Specialist Finance worked hard to create a supportive environment, it became clear that mental health support needed to extend across the wider mortgage industry.
This led to the creation of the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter.
Berry continued: “The charter, which is completely free to join, now has over 200 signatories, who have pledged to put mental health on their radars.”
He emphasised the diversity of signatories, which include high street banks, specialist lenders, mortgage clubs, networks, and individual brokers.
However, he acknowledged the underrepresentation of brokers, stating: “There are more than 20,000 individuals employed by our signatories, which is great – but brokers are underrepresented in the mix, we only have around 90 broker firms signed up.
“So we are actively trying to engage more on the adviser side.”
While pleased with the progress made, Berry noted there is still more work to be done: “We are pleased with the progress we have made but we are still at the stage of attracting more signatories and raising awareness about mental health in our industry.”
He continued: “It is entirely realistic to expect 100% of firms in the mortgage industry to at least tell their staff where to go when they need support with their mental health.
“The MIMHC website provides just this type of information and contact details.
“At the moment, our annual survey reveals only 52% of firms offer access to such support, so there is a long way to go.”
Looking ahead, he shared details of the next awareness-raising event: “Our next event aimed at raising awareness is the MIMHC annual Walk and Talk, which this year runs during Mental Health Week (11th to 18th May), when I’ll be walking and talking from Birmingham to London with a group of people from across the mortgage industry, and encouraging everyone to take some exercise of their own for the sake of their mental health.”
The latest ‘Keep the Conversation Going’ episode can be found here.
