The hospitality industry is fast paced, high pressure, and often unforgiving, but the people who work in it deserve support.
During Blackpool Restaurant Week 2026, we are proud to highlight The Burnt Chef Project, a charity focused on improving mental health and wellbeing for those working in hospitality.
The Burnt Chef Project offers free training, education, and one-to-one support for chefs, servers, managers, and students. In 2025 alone, more than 21,000 online learning modules were completed, over 1,200 hospitality professionals attended wellbeing workshops, and 3,674 individuals accessed free mental health support, including therapy and life coaching.
Through their Ambassador network, peer supporters are embedded in workplaces across the UK and internationally, providing trusted guidance and creating a culture where staff feel safe to ask for help. The charity also works with colleges to equip future hospitality professionals with tools to manage stress and avoid burnout before they even enter the workforce.
Hospitality businesses can get involved by encouraging staff to take part in workshops and training, supporting the Ambassador network, or simply creating open conversations about mental health in their teams. Every action helps reduce stigma and reminds staff that support is available.
Venues and individuals who want to learn more or explore ways to get involved can contact Matt Loughrey, Partnerships & Community Manager at The Burnt Chef Project.
đ§ matt@theburntchefproject.com
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