The Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC) has launched its Mental Health Awareness Week initiative with an invitation to ‘Walk and Talk’ – and three of the organisation’s supporters are embarking on a fundraising 125-mile hike.

Running from Monday, May 13, to Sunday, May 19, Walk and Talk is designed to promote physical activity and better communication as key ways to boost emotional and psychological wellbeing.

The initiative aims to galvanise mortgage sector employees to discover the many mental health benefits of walking outdoors while simultaneously discussing any personal or professional issues frankly and without embarrassment.

As part of Walk and Talk 2024, MIMHC co-founders Jason Berry and Will Lloyd-Hayward will be joined by Jonathan White, director at Number Fifteen Recruitment, when they embark on a sponsored 125 mile walk from Crystal Specialist Finance’s office, in Tamworth in the West Midlands, to HSBC’s office, in London’s Canary Wharf.

Leaving on Monday, May 13, the trio will walk an average of 25 miles over five consecutive days to raise awareness about the importance of physical movement for mental wellbeing while also raising as much money as possible for UK charities who support mental health and wellbeing.

Berry (pictured) said: “The message is simple – let’s get walking, let’s get talking and let’s ensure the best possible mental health for those working in the mortgage sector.

“MIMHC’s new Walk and Talk 2024 initiative aims to achieve this by raising awareness of the many mental health benefits of exercise while also stressing the importance of having full and frank conversations about the way you’re feeling when these become necessary.

“Will, Jonathan and I are all apprehensive about covering the distance we’ll be walking, but we’re certainly looking forward to some good conversations while raising money for a cause close to our hearts.”

Along the route, Will, Jonathan and Jason will be joined by: Jane Benjamin, director at Connect for Intermediaries; Kath Stagg, owner of Stagg Mortgage Services; Darrell Walker, head of mortgage sales & distribution at Moda Mortgages; Peter Gwilliam, director of Virtus Search; Bob Hunt, CEO of Paradigm Mortgage Services; Richard Howes, director at Paradigm Mortgage Services; Tom Hunt, relationship manager at Paradigm Mortgage Services; Kris Corns, operations director of Crystal Specialist Finance; Scott Howitt, sales director at Chartwell Mortgage Services; Andrew Milnes, business principal at MAB and Rob Oliver, distribution director at Dudley Building Society.

MIMHC’s Walk and Talk 2024 initiative is taking place at the same time as this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which is also themed on the importance of physical movement for mental wellbeing.

Lloyd-Hayward said: “We’re inviting everyone to join us on this journey towards better mental health.

“Throughout Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re also encouraging everyone to track and record their step count – as well as share their photos and personal experiences – using the hashtag #walkandtalk2024

“A mystery prize will be awarded to the mortgage sector individual who undertakes the most steps between Monday, May 13, and Sunday May 19 – although the steps must be validated using a suitable device… Jason, Jonathan and I are not allowed to enter.

“Together, let’s raise awareness, spark conversations and support each other in prioritising mental wellbeing – one stride at a time.”