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, Charlotte Grimshaw – head of intermediaries at Suffolk Building Society, is under the spotlight.
MS: What made you want to support and be part of the Walk and Talk initiative/event?
We’re a supportive industry and events like Walk and Talk bring people together in a relaxed environment. It’s stripped back and it does exactly what it aims to do, bringing exercise and an opportunity to talk to others, to encourage sharing and understanding.
What Jason has created really resonated with me and I was keen to support this year.
MS: From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges brokers/clients are facing right now with their mental health and wellbeing?
It’s important to be aware that most people are struggling on some level – however they appear on the surface.
I think these last two months have unfortunately made that unavoidable for most. Brokers have been putting their clients’ needs above their own – whether it’s working late nights, weekends (or both), to ensure rates are secured in a volatile market.
The job requires that during uncertain times, however it’s important we pause for a minute to acknowledge those sacrifices and personal trade-offs.
MS: What is your organisation doing to better support staff and the wider market?
We give brokers as much notice of product changes as possible (two working days is standard), as we know that last minute product pulls are a cause of much stress for brokers and their clients.
Our own staff benefit from a dedicated member of our HR team for wellbeing – our people wellness manager.
We also offer staff confidential 24/7 support with qualified counsellors, and up to 10 face-to-face counselling sessions.
MS: Looking ahead, what trends or changes would you like to see in the next 12–24 months?
More conversations and fewer emails. We’re human and we’re at our best when we pick up the phone and talk to each other.
Of course, there are efficiencies in emails and Teams messaging, but the softer side of communications can make someone’s day.
Who doesn’t appreciate a sideways tangent into what you’re having for dinner or where you’re off to on holiday this year…?
MS: What does success from this initiative/event look like for you?
More awareness of MIMHC and the great work the team does and for a wider understanding that it’s ok not to be ok sometimes.
We’re also really looking forward to the MIMHC ball and love that it’s an alcohol-free event, acknowledging that this is really important for inclusivity.