The Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC) has organised a host of high-profile events and initiatives throughout 2024 to promote and safeguard the mental wellbeing of everyone working in the UK’s mortgage industry.

MIMHC’s programme for 2024 has been developed to engage both current signatories and others that have yet to join.

MIMHC co-founder and managing director of Coreco Andrew Montlake (pictured), explains: “Our action-packed schedule for 2024 reaffirms MIMHC’s commitment to promoting the mental health and well-being of everyone working in our industry.

“By promoting awareness, starting appropriate conversations and fostering a supportive environment, MIMHC is leading the way towards a healthier and happier workplace for us all.”

The 2024 programme commences with MIMHC’s Annual Wellbeing Survey which assesses the ‘mental health ‘landscape’ that currently exists within the industry. The insights gathered will inform initiatives and support strategies that will directly contribute to healthier workplaces.

MIMHC will compile these results into a comprehensive white paper which will be published during Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs between 13–19 May.

This year’s event will highlight the importance of physical activity in maintaining mental well-being and MIMHC is organising its own Walk and Talk events throughout the week.

An information pack containing guidance and resources detailing how these sessions can be run will be made available for download from the MIMHC website.

MIMHC co-founder and group sales director at Crystal Specialist Finance Jason Berry will lead a sponsored 144-mile walk from Tamworth, in the West Midlands, to Canary Wharf, in London, which will coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week.

Berry explains: “ “I hope as many mortgage industry professionals as possible will join me along the route from Crystal Specialist Finance’s office, in Tamworth, to HSBC’s headquarters in Canary Wharf.”

MIMHC is also reintroducing ‘Mindful Mondays’ which are intended to provide a dedicated time for industry professionals to meet for a coffee and a chat. This monthly event aims to promote a sense of community and lasting connections while simultaneously breaking down all stigmas surrounding mental health conversations.

Regular regional meetings will be another cornerstone of MIMHC’s activity throughout 2024, providing signatories with the opportunity to discuss best practice either face-to-face or virtually.

MIMHC’s schedule of events for 2024 will culminate in a charity dinner on World Mental Health Day, which falls on 10 October.

Montlake concludes: “This diverse range of initiatives and events will enable us to create lasting change within the mortgage sector by fostering a culture of support and understanding surrounding mental health issues.

“I hope as many colleagues as possible will get involved – and sign up to our Charter, if they haven’t already done so.”