The Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC) Foundation has announced a 2026 programme to train more than 100 accredited mental health first aiders (MHFA) across the industry.

The initiative includes fully funded, two-day MHFA training sessions, with the first four scheduled to take place regionally from February 2026.

The programme is being supported by the Niall Stringer Foundation, whose sponsorship has let MIMHC expand its training capacity. Details on dates, locations and registration are due to be released in the coming weeks.

Jason Berry (pictured), co-founder of MIMHC and group sales director at Crystal Specialist Finance, said the initiative represents a shift towards more practical measures to address workplace wellbeing.

He added: “By training over 100 MHFAs, we are equipping firms with the skills, confidence and early-intervention capability that genuinely protects wellbeing in the workplace.”

Rob Jupp, co-founder of MIMHC and trustee of the Niall Stringer Foundation, described the training as an important step in improving early support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

“The investment we are making into MHFA training represents a real step forward, one that goes beyond talking about mental health and instead gives our industry the practical tools to intervene early,” he said.

The training forms part of a wider 2026 wellbeing calendar that MIMHC says has been shaped by feedback from its 2025 survey, which had around 400 responses.

Despite improvements in some areas, 22% of respondents reported that their mental health was “poor” or “of concern”.

Planned activities include monthly run clubs across several UK regions, a monthly book club focusing on wellbeing and leadership, a sector-wide Walk & Talk Month in May, and a series of webinars covering topics such as stress, suicide prevention and financial wellbeing.

July will see the launch of the Mortgage Mates/Protection Pals initiative and the MIMHC Ambassador Programme, intended to create peer networks for individuals dealing with bereavement, addiction, illness, burnout or crisis.

The annual MIMHC Lunch is scheduled for October, followed by the MIMHC Summit in November, which will focus on sector-wide learning and collaboration.

MIMHC has recently transitioned to the MIMHC Foundation Community Interest Company model, which it says will ensure that funding is directed toward training, education and support services for the mortgage sector.

Further announcements expected in January will include full MHFA training information, sponsorship options for 2026, new toolkits and resources, and details for the Ambassador Programme and Walk & Talk Month.