Pepper Money has put brokers first with a restorative set of wellbeing events focused on mindfulness and self-care. Retreat is part of Pepper’s ‘Be More You’ wellness event series to promote a healthier work-life balance for UK mortgage brokers, which was described by attendees as ‘a breath of fresh air’.
Pepper Money's second Retreat event of the year was held in London, and more Retreat activities will be available at exhibitions later this year.
Following the successful events that took place last year and earlier this year in Manchester, attendance is on track to more than triple for this year's series, which will feature practical self-care tips, expert-led sessions, and the chance to unwind away from the pressures of daily life as a mortgage broker.
Glow CEO Emma Harris, who ran a powerful keynote session at the Retreat event, will join Rob Barnard for the first episode in the new series of the Pepper Money podcast launching Thursday 31st July, to share her journey as a Sales and Marketing leader and how a life-changing experience led her to launch the Slow the F**k Down Movement.
Jane Benjamin, representing MIMHC and Director of Mortgages, Connect for Intermediaries, who spoke at Retreat South, said: “This Retreat was an amazing opportunity to network with peers. As a profession, we face so many pressures and challenges that it often feels like you are very alone, so it was fantastic to gather together with colleagues from the broker community.
“The event provided a welcoming space to share our personal stories, as well as practical, hands-on tips to combat stress and restore balance. It’s refreshing for a lender to put brokers’ mental health first, and I’m hoping the event will be a catalyst for people like me to achieve a better work-life balance.”
Attendees enjoyed a varied and engaging agenda, including an open Q&A with Jane Benjamin from the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC), on navigating the mental health challenges faced by mortgage industry professionals, with the opportunity for brokers to share experiences and reflections of their own. Leading breathwork coach Jessie Laute ran a bespoke, guided session equipping participants with accessible techniques to reduce stress and improve concentration.
Martin Stewart, Founder of London Money, said: “Pepper Money’s Retreat was a breath of fresh air. It provided a welcome opportunity for property finance professionals to de-stress and put our own wellbeing first – all too rare in the fast-paced industry, where too many feel overstretched and burnt-out.
“Emma’s keynote was powerful and deeply resonant, and the day provided a fantastic range of practical, hands-on self-care tips. Hearing from experts about how to prioritise our own mental health and wellbeing was an eye-opening experience and will prove invaluable in equipping us for everything that comes our way as professionals.”
Paul Adams, Sales Director at Pepper Money, said: “At Pepper Money, we established the Retreat events to champion brokers, showing them that we value them as individuals and understand the pressures they face. The Retreat South event centred on the wellbeing of brokers, with actionable self-care advice for professionals who face a hectic daily routine, encouraging them to step back, reflect and reconnect.
“Attendees heard from Jane Benjamin, representing MIMHC and Director of Mortgages, Connect for Intermediaries, about the options available to unwind from the stresses and pressures of daily life in the industry.
“There was a powerful keynote from Emma Harris, whose own extraordinary story showcases the vital importance of looking after your own mental health, as well as a guided session with leading breathwork coach Jessie Laute. We’ll be showcasing Jessie and Emma’s expertise and advice to more brokers as part of upcoming episodes of our podcast hosted by Rob Barnard, so watch this space.
“Our plans for the next phase of this popular series include a range of new events designed to reach even greater numbers of brokers and help them to prioritise their own personal wellbeing and mental health alongside their career.”
