Financial firms are stepping up to join the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC), following the recent launch of the new non-profit organisation.

Vibe Finance has become the first signatory of the charter which is aiming to provide guidance, tips and a framework for businesses looking to support the mental health of their staff.

MIMHC is the result of a collaboration between its co-founders Crystal Specialist Finance, Coreco, Chartwell Mortgage Services, Landbay, The Brightstar Group, Knowledge Bank and SimplyBiz Mortgages.

Focused on providing practical help to businesses across the sector who want to boost the mental health and wellbeing of their employees, the MIMHC aims to implement the recommendations of the Stevenson and Farmer Thriving at Work report, produced for the government in 2017.

“Our Company is a big advocate of supporting mental health and promoting mental health awareness,” Vibe Finance managing director, Kim McGinley, commented. “Whilst we already have mental health first aiders in place to assist our own staff wellbeing, we know our sector can do more. We are extremely proud to become the very first signatory to the charter and share the co-founder’s commitment to raise awareness.”

McGinley was swiftly followed by commercial director for Black & White Bridging, Damien Druce, who has become the second signatory.

Druce said: “Our Company has always supported employee wellbeing initiatives but in light of the events of the last eighteen months, never have they been more important.

“My own COVID journey was a difficult one and certainly took its toll on my mental health. I am therefore delighted to support this excellent campaign and encourage other firms to sign up so they can receive free reference materials which will undoubtedly support their teams.”

Co-founder of the MIMHC and Coreco managing director, Andrew Montlake, added: “The pandemic has thrown the importance of mental health into sharp focus, and I’m certain that the MIMHC will give businesses across the sector a helping hand in delivering best practice.

“We are pleased to see such a diverse response from our sector with building societies, specialist lenders, insurers and traditional broker firms all pledging support.”

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