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, Wayne Smethurst (main picture, inset alongside daughter, Lola), director at All Money Matters, is under the spotlight.

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

The focus and awareness the walk could bring to this initiative is key to the ongoing support that the Mental Health Charter offers to the mortgage industry and the individuals within it.

This will help to bring in more support and care for those who need it and any coverage of this to maximise the awareness of the charter can only be a good thing.

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

Well apart from the obvious fallout from the Iran issue, interest rate volatility, energy cost uncertainty, and the general cost of living.

The pulling of products and rates at short or no notice has put a huge strain on the clients and everyone in the mortgage industry.

This is just another battle the industry has had to deal with since COVID and we all know what they were!

This has been draining on energy and feels like it is one more battle and how many can individuals take, I would think some are thinking of leaving. So, the support the charter can offer is important.

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

We have reorganised our internal structure to make all involved feel part of a team who are adding value to the business, colleagues and contributing to the way we operate.

We have also increased the communications between all within the business from top down to ensure they are fully involved and we encourage an open feedback culture and ensure that they are listened to and valued.

We also will be encouraging all to look at the charter and to promote this themselves as well as using it as needed to help them if they feel that they would benefit from the support it can bring.

With us fully supporting the Consumer Duty policy, all within our business are cognisant of ensuring we look to support brokers and clients with a duty of care. We will be promoting the charter through our communications and business profile.

MS: How will activities like this help the industry move forward?

We all need to be more open about the issues and struggles we all have. It has been good to see some industry colleagues come forward to discuss what they have been through.

We can support each other, we are not alone in this, many go through times of low esteem, confidence and personal issues that affect our daily work life balance. Let us all help to support each other.

MS: What’s one practical insight or piece of advice you would offer brokers or people working on the mortgage sector right now?

You are not alone. When times seem out of control or you are feeling down, reach out and talk to someone you trust or look to the charter to see how this will help.

Many of us have been through these issues. So, believe in you and remember, you add value in all you do but most of all be happy, the rest seems to follow.

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

Economic stability for a period would bring benefits to the industry and individuals who can plan with some confidence on personal finances and what the future may bring.

MS: Finally, what does success from this initiative/event look like for you?

An understanding of how hard people work in our industry. We all know that it can bring issues that we all need to deal with and sometimes we need help and support.

This initiative we hope will make more firms and individuals aware of the charter and they can use the great support that it can bring.