UK: Frasers Hospitality and its boutique hotel brands Malmaison and Hotel du Vin are partnering with The Burnt Chef Project, a non-profit campaign committed to removing the stigma and raising awareness of mental health issues within the hospitality industry.
The three brands, operating under Frasers Hospitality’s global business, have committed to a range of fundraising initiatives for the project within their properties. All donations made will go directly to help fund mental health training and resource materials, including The BurntChef 24/7 support service and The Burnt Chef Academy, to help open up and normalise conversations around mental health within the UK hospitality industry.
Guests dining at a Chez Mal Brasserie & Bar or Bistro du Vin across the country will be able to donate directly through an order of invisible “Burnt Chips”, which will add a set amount onto the bill as a direct donation to the Burnt Chef initiative. Similarly, guests at Fraser Place and Fraser Suites serviced apartments across England and Scotland will be able to purchase an invisible “Cup of Tea and a Chat”, which will donate £2.50 directly to the cause.
Round up payment options will be activated across all properties within the properties and a donate button has been added to all relevant websites. Additionally, a post-COVID eco-friendly option for guests to opt out of certain housekeeping offerings is set to activate a direct donation from property to project.
Frasers Hospitality has also invested in a range of training initiatives for staff to help increase understanding among its teams. From mental health first aid training to appointing wellbeing champions and internal senior ambassadors across the group, the creation of such employee assistance programmes will help assure staff that they too have a platform to reach out to, and help reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues or concerns.
According to a survey undertaken by TBCP, 84 per cent of hospitality professionals in the UK were reported to have experienced at least one mental health issue during their career, with 46 per cent stating they would not feel comfortable talking about their health concerns with their colleagues.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with The Burnt Chef Project and to be an active force in raising awareness of mental health issues within our industry. The pandemic has been tough for the whole industry and we’re passionate about coming back stronger, with a workforce who feels empowered and heard,” said Guus Bakker, CEO EMEA at Frasers Hospitality.
“In addition to dedicated training for our staff, we have added the topics of mental health and wellbeing to all employee committee meeting agendas. This partnership is a natural fit for us as we are closely aligned with TBCP’s drive in promoting mental health and well being amongst our team and community.”
Kris Hall, director and founder of The Burnt Chef Project, added: “It’s never been more important for us to recognise the stresses and unique issues that our hospitality workforces are facing and actually do something about it. We are so excited to have Malmaison, Hotel du Vin and Frasers Hospitality UK on board with us, with their presence across all four corners of the UK helping us to spread the word across the country. The project is committed to burning away the stigma and shame associated with mental health for hospitality professionals worldwide and we’re thrilled to have these brands come on this vital journey with us.”
