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, Paul Purewal (main picture, inset), head of intermediary relationships at Dudley Building Society, is under the spotlight.

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

I took part in last year’s Walk and Talk and found the whole experience really fulfilling.

Coming together with colleagues from across the industry demonstrated how well we collaborate and the importance of looking out for one another.

Therefore, I’d hope I can always support Walk and Talks for the foreseeable future.

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

The challenges will vary from person to person, but whether it’s a client or broker, I think striking the right balance between achieving working objectives and personal time is key.

To be the best version of ourselves, we need to be conscious of trigger points that can upset the balance and know what to do when things get tough to redress this.

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

At Dudley Building Society, open conversations are encouraged right from the top and there is a genuine inclusive atmosphere.

We look to replicate this behaviour in interactions with brokers and have conversations about clients that require a bespoke level of support where often we can offer a solution.

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

I’m still surprised to hear there is a lack of awareness when it comes to the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter.

There’s been some amazing success since the launch and the focus is quite rightly on transitioning from awareness to action now.

The access to mental health first aid training is one brilliant example of a difference being made.

I would hope in the next two years the charter substantially grows its signatories, and we have more tangible assets that more people in the industry can access where they would normally be unable to.

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

Success will come from within – we already have several people taking part in Walk and Talk 2026 for the first time which is great.

Fingers crossed we’ll raise a significant amount of money to invest in further improving mental health in the industry for the betterment of all.