The Burnt Chef Project to recognise success with new awards

30-Nov-2023 - Last updated on 30-Nov-2023 at 16:29 GMT

Celebration: The Burnt Chef Project launches new awards

Mental health charity The Burnt Chef Project Is launching a new awards ceremony to recognise people and businesses that have gone the extra mile.

The Hospitality’s Mental Health Heroes Awards will feature eight unique categories.

Nominations are now open, and individuals and businesses in the hospitality sector that have taken exceptional steps in the past 12 months are encouraged to apply.

Entries can be self-nominations, or people can nominate others.

The awards ceremony, held in association with headline partner Talent Hive, will take place during the Love Hospitality Gala Dinner on 25 March 2024.

This is the first evening of hospitality conference HRC 2024 at ExCel London, where the winners will be announced.

Proud advocates

On partnering with The Burnt Chef Project, managing director of Talent Hive Will Gennard said: “We’ve long been a proud advocate of The Burnt Chef Project.

"The work that Kris and the team have done over the past four years has been nothing short of extraordinary when it comes to supporting those with mental health challenges and working to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health in the hospitality industry – not just here in the UK, but around the world."

He said the opportunity to partner with the charity and become the official sponsor of the awards was too good to miss.

He added: "We’re looking forward to being part of the judging process, seeing first-hand the incredible work of businesses and individuals in our great and vibrant sector before the real celebrations happen in London in March.”

Nominations close on 20 January 2024 with a shortlist being announced in early February.

Category winners will be recognised with an exclusive ‘Mental Health Hero’ badge.

Mental health awareness

The Burnt Chef Project founder Kris Hall said: “The Burnt Chef Project was initially set up to help raise awareness of the mental health challenges faced by those in the hospitality industry and eradicate the mental stigma that exists.

"During this time, we’ve seen hundreds of examples of incredible, selfless and honourable actions taken by those across the sector.

"As such, it was only right that we looked at a way to celebrate these individuals and businesses in a way that recognised the efforts they make to put wellbeing at the centre of their workplaces.

"The first Burnt Chef Project Awards, in association with Talent Hive allow us to do just that.

"A night of celebration, joy and recognition, which will bring together hundreds of operators, suppliers and industry stakeholders in one place.”

The award categories include: