The findings of project that offers mental health support for the hospitality industry has revealed include it has trained 55 colleges in mental health awareness, its free 24/7 text support service saw user number leap to more than 3,000 and 24,000 e-learning modules were completed last year.
The Burnt Chef Project founder and CEO Kris Hall said: “The Burnt Chef Project team – including our global ambassadors, fundraising partners, staff, contractors and all those who continue to support the work we do – are making a substantial difference to those who need it most. And that’s something I’m exceptionally proud of.
“The publication of our latest Social Impact Report demonstrates the value of the work we do.
Reduce the stigma
“It’s helping to support those living with mental health challenges, provide training and education to businesses and managers and, ultimately, reduce the stigma that continues to surround mental health in hospitality. That’s not just here in the UK but around the world.
“Looking forward, we have ambitious plans to keep delivering continuous impact and driving changes throughout the global hospitality industry.”
The report includes a breakdown of the not-for-profit organisation’s revenue sources, with almost 50% coming from individual donations and fundraising efforts as well as the sale of merchandise.
Demonstrating the need for continued support from across the hospitality industry, the past year has seen supporters organise karaoke events, scale mountains carrying a combi oven, take part in triathlons, bike rides, swims, parachute jumps, cake sales and more.
Peer support ambassadors
The report also details the costs associated with providing support, such as £60 per person for free therapy sessions and 24/7 support, £16 per person for access to e-learning and £200 per person to train The Burnt Chef Project’s team of ambassadors.
Its other key growth figures for 2023 include its number of peer support ambassadors that have reached more than 250 individuals who now serve as advocates for mental health within their workplaces and communities. Plus, its coaching and training sessions have reached more than 1,000 people.
The report claimed its work has saved an estimated £422m to global economies.
The Burnt Chef Project’s goals during the next two years include achieving 10,000 free support and therapy sessions; delivering 100,000 modules; further nurture, train and grow the project’s ambassador network; and maintain engagement rates lifts of 7% across its support systems.
