Mental Health & Hospitality

I was invited this week to an interview about mental health and the challenges in hospitality by a student for their level 3 assignment. I could not wait to support, understanding the challenges was the brief, but not only that, this was a deeper analysis of a daughters recognition of a parents sacrifice to get her to where they all are.

We had a great connection and immediately hit it off - conducted an interview and was invited to stay for lunch.

Mariana’s parents run a beautiful cafe in Salford Quays of which i've never been to before. Cute and detailed and filled with effort and above all love of the industry.

Never knowing before this week the Dias family it was a honour to be asked for The Burnt Chef Project® to help with the assignment, but being asked to stay felt like i was part of the family.

Marina’s Father Hugo is the chef, of which we hit it off extremely well, even sharing our humour of age and physical struggles with spinning discs, and of great produce, not to mention the financial challenges ahead.

Alex, Marinas Mum was warm welcoming and supportive and super proud of the cause, and the final assignment how it blends their family together.

The hospitality industry, while vibrant and rewarding, poses significant challenges that can severely impact mental health. Long and irregular working hours, high-pressure environments, emotional labor, and often low pay contribute to high stress levels among workers. As a result, mental health issues are notably prevalent in this sector. Studies have shown that over 80% of hospitality workers report experiencing stress at work, and rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout are substantially higher than in many other industries. This mental health toll is exacerbated by a culture that often discourages open discussion about emotional well-being, making it difficult for employees to seek support. Addressing these challenges is critical not only for individual well-being but also for improving retention, job satisfaction, and overall industry sustainability.

I'm a super fan of local businesses - they need our support, this is one I will be visiting often now, not far from me, with a lovely venue, great customer service and incredible food, the Portugese tart was honestly the best i've had, ever.

Support local, you never know what you’ll find.