Burnt Chef Project aims to help students fight mental health stigma

October 2024

By Sean Madden

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Students took part in a special seminar with speakers from the Burnt Chef Project, focused on raising awareness of mental health issues in the hospitality industry.

The weekly Skills for Success seminars are designed to help students look forward and plan their future careers, making the most of their time at the University. They cover all aspects of career guidance, including interviews, CVs, and networking.

This session gave students guidance on how to challenge stigma and address mental health difficulties in themselves and others.

In the wake of World Mental Health Day, three ambassadors from the Burnt Chef Project spoke to assembled students about their own experiences of stress and mental health issues in the industry, and what can be done to address them.

Launched in May 2019, the Project aims to eradicate mental health stigma in the hospitality industry by providing education, support, and resources to employers and staff. It also offers an Employee Assistance Programme that includes counselling for hospitality staff anywhere across the globe as well as peer support, e-learning, and mentorship.

From humble beginnings, the Project now has more than 240 ambassadors working across the world, as far afield as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The session encompassed an interactive discussion with students covering all aspects of mental health 鈥� from definitions, to causes of poor mental health, how people are affected differently, and finally advice, stress-busting tools, and self-care tips.

Angelina Adamo, an ambassador who also runs her own successful catering business in the West Midlands having previously studied at 蜜桃传媒, told the students: 鈥淚鈥檝e worked everywhere from burger bars to Michelin-starred restaurants. We all know that the job is often really full-on, but this doesn鈥檛 mean we have to accept poor mental health.鈥�

鈥淥nce I started running my own business and dealing with other, large employers, I wanted to help show them how support in the hospitality industry should really be. This is why I got involved in the Burnt Chef Project,鈥� she said.

Matt Loughrey, lead ambassador for the West Midlands, has worked in hospitality as a hotel manager for several years. He was keen to emphasise that the impression people in the industry project does not necessarily reflect how they are really feeling: "It鈥檚 so important for us to all learn to spot the signs in each other, and for employers to be proactive in addressing any issues their staff may have,鈥� he told the students.

鈥淭he more open we are, the more we learn, and the better we can help each other and ourselves.鈥�

Helping students find right support

For any student or hospitality employee experiencing difficulties, there is a free, 24-hour text support line, and employers are able to use free resources from the Burnt Chef Academy, which encourages them to learn more about staff welfare and deal with a number of different mental health issues.

Hospitality business lecturer Adam Thompson said that being able to use the Project's resources alongside support already available through the University would provide students reassurance and confidence when studying and working: "蜜桃传媒 has already gained a host of accolades for its award-winning student services."

"The addition of the Burnt Chef Project to its range of support strengthens its offering and highlights its commitment to the student experience," he said.

The ambassadors emphasised the importance of having someone to talk to whether new to the workplace, or even while at university: 鈥淲e know it can be tough to speak to someone when you鈥檝e started a new role or a new career 鈥� the idea of speaking to seniors can seem really daunting.

"That鈥榮 why it鈥檚 so important not only that employers know how to spot issues, but that you all feel comfortable building networks, communicating with each other, and just being there for each other., Matt told the group.

鈥淎ll of you are pioneers in the industry, ready to build your careers and make your mark. You are able to make a positive difference, and help change the industry for the better.鈥�

If you are struggling and feel you need to talk to someone, you can contact our聽mental health and wellbeing services, or make use of the Burnt Chef Project's聽.

Find out more about courses within the聽Department of Hospitality and Tourism.

"These students are the next generation of the hospitality industry and will be the source of change. The industry needs to adapt to this new workforce and their needs, and support them in dealing with the demands of what is a physically and mentally demanding career. Change is tough, but with support and understanding, it is achievable."

Adam Thompson Hospitality business lecturer