Text-based mental health support service launched

By Emily Hawkins

- Last updated on GMT

Text support: the Burnt Chef Project has launched a free and confidential mental health service for those in the hospitality sector
Text support: the Burnt Chef Project has launched a free and confidential mental health service for those in the hospitality sector

Related tags Health Health and safety Chef Restaurant coronavirus

A free mental health support service for those working in the hospitality sector has been launched.

Mental health not-for-profit organisation the Burnt Chef Project launched the text-based service this month (1 February) to provide those in the sector with a free and confidential space to talk about their wellbeing. 

The service is operated 24/7 and manned by volunteers overseen by full-time clinical supervisors.

Managers and operators have been asked to distribute the helpline number to their teams.

Founder of the Burnt Chef Project Kris Hall said the pandemic had had a huge impact on the sector's mental health.

Toll on everyone

He said: “To say the last 12 months for hospitality has been hard is an understatement. We have faced challenges we never thought possible and that has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health across the board.

"With the Department for Health investing more and more into combating the rising mental health issues we face as a nation we felt it was now or never to help those who may require it. As an industry family we have all shared these tough times together and this is just one of the ways in which we shall continue to tackle the rising mental health epidemic."

Pub operators shared their mental health experiences amid the pandemic with The Morning Advertiser​, with many citing financial and health anxiety as affecting them over the past year.

Free and confidential 

Hall added: "Whether you are a general manager, head chef, housekeeper, student, fishmonger, cleaner, waiting staff or bar person this service is here for you. Totally free and confidential whenever you need it. 

"This support service is here for any individual whenever it is needed. If you feel anxious or stressed, isolated, lonely or grieving, suffering from substance misuse or perhaps you have experienced bullying, depression or sadness, or have relationship worries as well as self-harm and suicidal thoughts then please use this service."

  • To use the service, you can text BURNTCHEF to 85258 24/7 and a trained volunteer will aim to respond to you within five minutes.

Related topics Health & safety

Related news

Show more

Spotlight

Follow us

Pub Trade Guides

View more

The MA Lock In Podcast

Join us for a Lock In