The Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC) is hosting its third annual 144-mile Walk & Talk challenge from 10-15 May. There are now 72 participants from across the mortgage sector taking part.
The six-day initiative will follow the Grand Union Canal, with individuals joining for different stages of the route.
The event is led by Jason Berry, group sales director at Crystal Specialist Finance and co-founder of the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter, who will complete the full route alongside Charlie Morley, director of mortgage distribution, operations and servicing at Metro Bank.
Over the coming days Mortgage Soup will be firing the questions at both sponsors and those taking part.
Today, Matt Kingston (main picture, inset), sales director at Nottingham Building Society, is under the spotlight.
MS: What made you want to support and be part of the Walk and Talk initiative/event?
Our industry can be high-pressure and at times quite isolating. People will often see the professional front we all put on at times but not always the pressures sitting behind it.
I’ve always believed strong relationships in this market go well beyond transactions and should include us all looking out for each other.
Walk and Talk creates space for honest conversations which is brilliant.
I was able to join the 2025 Walk & Talk and also the inaugural MIMHC Lunch last year and it’s such a fantastic initiative and I can already see the benefits that it’s having.
MS: Biggest challenges brokers/clients are facing with mental health and wellbeing?
Relentless uncertainty and the constant change… rates, criteria, regulation, customer anxiety, AI/tech advances and the general despair of some of the awful things happening in the world today.
All will have an impact and take their toll. If we all normalise stress and not recognise when we’re struggling or have an outlet such as MIMHC then we could all burn out.
MS: What is your organisation doing?
We’re trying to create a culture where mental wellbeing isn’t a side conversation. Whether through open dialogue, practical support or simply encouraging people to speak up sooner.
We have lots of great Colleague Engagement Networks across the Building Society and we also lean into and learn from the fantastic work done by IMLA & AMI through Working in Mortgages and also DIFF.
Within the sales team, we adapt the way we work with brokers depending on how the market is to fit around them.
For example, our field BDMs have reduced the number of face-to-face appointments over the last six weeks to ensure they are more available over the phone for brokers to support them.
It’s about listening and adapting our service so where offering the right support at the right time.
MS: How will activities like this help the industry move forward?
It helps by making mental wellbeing a more open conversation rather than a private struggle. The more we normalise talking about pressure, resilience and support the healthier our industry becomes.
MS: One practical piece of advice?
Try and recognise your stress signs early and don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed to reach out.
It’s what I tell myself and sometimes I get this right…. talk early and be prepared to ask for help early.
It’s not good to continually absorb endless pressure and it’s really important to know when to talk and when to take a break and reset.
MS: What changes would you like to see in 12–24 months?
It’s on all of us to keep promoting the good work that MIMHC in all our interactions. Take the time to check in on colleagues and contacts and make time to discuss all aspects of life, not just work.
MS: What does success from this initiative look like?
I can already see the impact of MIMHC in how the movement has grown in the last 12 months and success would be to continue to raise awareness and provide practical help like to mental health training offered by MIMIHC.
There is lots more lenders can do to ease the pressure that brokers face and I’d encourage all lenders to work closely with MIMHC & AMI to listen and adapt accordingly.
