The Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter has confirmed its 2026 Walk and Talk event is now fully booked with 72 participants drawn from across the mortgage and specialist finance market.
The six-day initiative, which takes place along the Grand Union Canal, brings together lenders, brokers, networks and industry publishers to step away from day-to-day pressures and focus on mental wellbeing.
The event reflects growing awareness of the strain placed on mortgage professionals, particularly in a market shaped by rate volatility, regulatory change and ongoing affordability pressures.
Participants will complete stages of up to 26 miles, with the format designed to encourage informal conversations around stress, burnout and mental health in a sector often defined by long hours and performance targets.
WELLBEING INITIATIVES
The 2026 walk is supported by headline sponsor specialist lender Foundation Lending, underlining increasing lender engagement with wellbeing initiatives across the introducer market.
Jason Berry, co-founder of the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter and group sales director at Crystal Specialist Finance, said: “Reaching full capacity with 72 people involved is a significant milestone and reflects the growing recognition across our industry that mental health and wellbeing must remain a priority.
“What makes Walk and Talk so powerful is its simplicity – walking side by side creates an environment where people feel more comfortable to open up, share experiences, and support one another.”
Charlie Morley, business development director at Metro Bank, is aiming to complete all six days alongside Berry.
He added: “Our industry is fast paced and often high pressured, which can take a significant toll on people’s wellbeing over time.
“I’ve seen first-hand how stress, burnout and anxiety can affect talented professionals, and I strongly believe we have a responsibility to create a more supportive and understanding industry.”
OPEN DIALOGUE
Alan Davison, Chief Commercial Officer at Foundation Lending, said: “This Walk and Talk event stood out because it creates space for honest conversations and connection away from the day-to-day pressures of making mortgages happen.
“Supporting this initiative recognises that mental health is as important as performance and that meaningful progress starts with open dialogue.”
The Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter said the fully subscribed event highlights continued momentum behind efforts to improve wellbeing across the sector, with initiatives increasingly focused on creating long-term cultural change rather than one-off awareness campaigns.
Berry added: “As the industry continues to evolve, initiatives like Walk and Talk play a vital role in reinforcing the importance of wellbeing, encouraging collaboration, and driving cultural change across the mortgage community.”
MIMHC COMMUNITY INTEREST FOUNDATION
Last year’s Walk and Talk raised over £15,000 for the Niall Stringer Foundation.
This year marks an important milestone for MIMHC following its transition to a registered Community Interest Foundation in October 2025.
As a result, 100% of funds raised will be reinvested directly into supporting individuals and firms across the mortgage sector.
MIMHC’s immediate focus is to sustain and expand access to Mental Health First Aid training throughout the industry while also working to provide faster access to qualified professional therapists.
Looking ahead, the organisation’s longer-term ambition is to develop funded residential support for those most at risk, ensuring that meaningful, practical help is available when it is needed most.
Main picture: In training this weekend: Jason Berry (left) with Paul Purewal, head of intermediary relations at Dudley Building society and Dev Malle (right), chief business development officer at Simplify.
