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, Kath Stagg (main picture, inset), founder of Stagg Mortgage Services, is under the spotlight.

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

For me, Walk and Talk represents everything our industry needs more of; connection, honesty and space to simply be human.

At Stagg Mortgage Services, we see first hand how much pressure advisers, clients and business owners carry.

Supporting this initiative felt natural because it creates a safe, stigma free environment where people can step away from the noise, breathe, and talk openly.

If we want a healthier industry, we have to show up for each other and this event is a powerful way to do exactly that.

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

The biggest challenge is the sheer emotional load everyone is carrying. Brokers are navigating complex cases, tighter affordability, and constant regulatory change all while trying to be the calm, reassuring voice for clients who are often anxious themselves.

Many advisers feel they must “hold it all together” which can lead to burnout.

Clients, especially first-time buyers and young families, are dealing with financial uncertainty, rising costs and the fear of making the wrong decision.

It’s a perfect storm of pressure on both sides, and it’s taking a real toll.

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

At Stagg Mortgage Services, wellbeing isn’t just a tick-box – it’s part of our culture.

We prioritise open conversations, flexible working and a genuinely supportive environment where no one feels they have to struggle alone.

We’re investing in training around mental health awareness, encouraging regular check ins and creating space for advisers to decompress and share challenges.

Externally, we’re committed to championing wellbeing across the market, collaborating with partners and supporting initiatives that put people before process.

When our team feels supported, our clients feel it too.

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

I’d love to see wellbeing become embedded into the fabric of our industry not as a campaign, but as a standard. That means more open dialogue, more training, more collaboration between lenders, networks and brokers and a shift towards healthier workloads and realistic expectations.

I’d also like to see improved support for younger clients, especially around mental health and financial resilience and more recognition of the emotional side of homebuying.

Ultimately, I hope we move towards a more compassionate, human centred mortgage journey.

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

Success is simple: people leaving the event feeling lighter, heard and connected.

If even one adviser feels less alone, or one conversation helps someone open up about how they’re really doing, then it’s worth it.

Longer term, success looks like this becoming a catalyst encouraging more wellbeing-focused events, more honest conversations and a stronger, kinder industry.

If we can build a community where people feel safe to talk, we’ll have achieved something truly meaningful.