Walk and Talk 2026 - The Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter

Keeping the mental health conversation going.

Walk and Talk 2026: Raising Awareness for Mental Health in the Mortgage Sector

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, Jason Berry, co-founder of the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC), will once again lead the Walk and Talk 2026 event. This year, Jason will be joined by Charlie Morley, Director of Mortgage Distribution at Metro bank, along with a rotating group of industry professionals (“leggers”) who will take part on different days.

The six-day journey will cover the entire length of the Grand Union Canal, starting At Metro Bank in Holborn, London, on Sunday, 10th May, and concluding in Central Birmingham on Friday 15th May. The events goal is to spark meaningful conversations about mental health and wellbeing in the mortgage sector, encouraging open discussions while embracing the benefits of movement and connection.

Why Movement and Exercise Matter for Mental Health

Physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining good mental health. Walking, in particular, offers numerous benefits:

Boost Mood: Exercise releases endorphins, which help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Reduce Stress: Walking provides a natural way to manage stress, lowering cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.
Improve Sleep: Regular physical activity enhances sleep quality, supporting better mental clarity and emotional balance.
Enhance Self-Esteem: Achieving movement goals builds confidence and fosters a sense of accomplishment.

By walking together, we can raise awareness, encourage conversations, and support each others mental wellbeing one step at a time.

Join the Journey: London to Birmingham on Foot

Throughout Mental Health Awareness Week, Jason and Charlie will walk approximately 24 miles per day, covering a total of 141 miles along the Grand Union Canal. Signatory members of MIMHC and other supporters are invited to walk alongside them for any leg of the journey or participate remotely by engaging in physical activity during the same week.

Jason Berry, Group Sales Director at Crystal Specialist Finance, shares his thoughts:

“Walking has been an incredible outlet for me, both physically and mentally. It’s a chance to clear my mind, reflect on the day, and connect with nature. I’m thrilled to be walking during this important week and invite everyone to join me on this journey towards better mental health.”

Register to Join the Walk!

PLEASE NOTE – We are now full.
Thank you to everyone who registered!

Donate to Walk & Talk 2026

Support Jason and the team on their Journey to raise money and awareness for Mental Health

Donate here

Route Information & Key Details

We invite you to join Jason and Charlie on this journey by following the route plan below. Whether you walk alongside Jason and Charlie or engage in physical activity in your own way, your participation is invaluable.

Walk & Talk – Grand Union Canal Return Route
Start at London (Holborn)
Finish at Birmingham (Centenary Square)
Sunday 10 May – Friday 15 May

Route principle: we’ll follow the Grand Union Canal wherever physically possible, with only unavoidable diversions (e.g. Blisworth Tunnel and BCN transition).

Daily Route Breakdown:

Day 1 – Sunday 10 May Route: Metro Bank HQ, Holborn → Denham (Distance: ~24-25 miles)
Day 2 – Monday 11 May Route: Denham → Berkhamsted (Distance: ~21-22 miles)
Day 3 – Tuesday 12 May Route: Berkhamsted → Milton Keynes (Distance: ~22-23 miles)
Day 4 – Wednesday 13th May Route: Milton Keynes → Braunston Marina (Distance: ~22-23 miles)
Day 5 – Thursday 14 May Route: Braunston Marina → Hatton Locks (Warwick) (Distance: ~22-23 miles)
Day 6 – Friday 15 May Route: Hatton Locks → HSBC, 1 Centenary Square, Birmingham (Distance: ~23-24 miles)

General Daily Timetable

8:30 AM – Begin walking
11:00–11:10 AM – 10-minute rest break
1:00–1:30 PM – Lunch break (30 minutes)
3:45–3:55 PM – 10-minute rest break
~4:30–5:00 PM – Target finish time (depending on daily mileage)

At 3.8 mph, we’ll cover roughly 9–10 miles before lunch, and another 12–14 miles in the afternoon. Each day’s total is around 22–24 miles.

By following this schedule a consistent pace will be maintained with regular rests available which still ensure there is time to appreciate the lovely scenery and historic features of the Grand Union Canal – arriving in Centenary Square, Birmingham by 5pm on Friday 15th May.

Practical Tips - Details of the Walk

Time & Distance Estimates:

Walking speed: ~3.8 mph
Daily walking time: ~6.5–7 hours
Breaks: ~50 minutes for lunch and morning/afternoon rests

Refreshments & Supplies:

Snacks, water, and energy drinks provided
Pubs and shops along the route for additional refreshments

Gear & Safety:

Footwear: Well-broken-in walking shoes/boots
Weather protection: Waterproofs, sun cream, sunglasses
Route guidance: Following towpath signs, caution around tunnel detours
Flexibility: Daily endpoints may adjust based on weather conditions

Together, Lets Keep the Conversation Moving

By taking part in Walk and Talk 2026, you’re helping to break the stigma around mental health in the mortgage industry. Whether you walk with Jason and Charlie, support from afar, or simply commit to moving more during the week, your participation makes a difference.

Lets walk, talk, and support each other one step at a time.