The Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC) began its third annual 144-mile Walk & Talk challenge on Sunday and will finish on Friday this week. There are some 72 participants from across the mortgage sector taking part.

The six-day initiative follows 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.

Today, Dan Maskell (main picture, inset), director at Finance Planning, is under the spotlight.

MS: What made you want to support and be part of the Walk and Talk initiative / event?

Huge respect to those doing six marathons in six days – that’s incredible. I’m just doing one. But once I had the opportunity to sign up there was no doubt. (And Brighton playing the day before).

For me, it’s about supporting something bigger.

Mental health in the mortgage intermediary market isn’t talked about enough.

If this gets people together, talking, and having a bit of fun along the way, that’s a great start – because the pressures in the industry are real.

MS: From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges brokers/clients are facing right now with their mental health and wellbeing?

Constant change, whether it is rates, criteria or affordability, and the need to deal with an 8pm deadline in many cases, with only a few hours’ notice. As a side not a big thank you to those lenders who give us at least 24 hours!

Then there’s the emotional pressure from supporting clients through big decisions and the ‘always on’ culture.

And for many, working in isolation. People are coping – but often quietly. That’s the issue.

MS: What is your organisation doing to better support staff and the wider market?

We’re a proud MIMHC signatory and are supporting better mental health awareness.

We have developed a wisdom wellbeing app for all advisers and staff and built a strong community – no one should feel on their own.

We have also introduced systems and specialist support to ease the load.

It’s about real, practical support and not just words.

MS: Looking ahead, what trends or changes would you like to see in the next 12–24 months?

I’d like to see lenders, distributors and advisers working closer together.

It ould also be good if we could see simpler processes, less friction as well as more understanding.

I’d also like to see the introduction of tech that reduces pressure, not adds to it.

And wellbeing becoming part of everyday conversation

MS: What does success from this initiative / event look like for you?

People turning up; having honest conversations and building stronger connections across the industry.