The Burnt Chef Project highlights growth in hospitality mental health support

The Burnt Chef Project has published its 2023-24 social impact report, which showcases the extent to which the not-for-profit organisation’s services are now more in demand than ever before.

Supporting those across all aspects of the hospitality industry, both in the UK and on a truly international scale, the project has provided more support, delivered more training and facilitated more learning than ever before.

The report shows 55 colleges trained in mental health awareness, reaching over 2,045 students across different countries — almost double previous years.

The free 24/7 text support service saw a massive jump, with over 3,000 individuals utilising the service in 2023, compared to just over 1,000 in previous years.

Over 24,000 e-learning modules were completed in 2023, more than double the number completed in the previous year. These free modules provide accessible mental health education to hospitality workers worldwide, enabling them to better manage stress, prevent burnout, and support colleagues.

The Burnt Chef Project’s coaching and training sessions reached over 1,000 individuals, marking a significant increase in participation. These workshops continue to equip hospitality professionals with the knowledge and tools to create a healthier, more supportive work environment.

The Social Impact Report 2023-24 includes a breakdown of the not-for-profit organisation's revenue sources, with almost 50 per cent 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 much more.

The report also details the costs associated with providing support, including £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.

Launching the latest social impact report, Kris Hall, founder and CEO of The Burnt Chef Project 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 throughout the hospitality industry 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, 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, 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 concludes with the goals for The Burnt Chef Project over the next two years, including achieving a staggering 10,000 free support and therapy sessions for those who need it most, delivering 100,000 modules, further nurture, train and grow the project’s ambassador network.

To view The Burnt Chef Project’s Social Impact Report 2023-24 in full, click here.

To find out more about The Burnt Chef Project’s college modules or the service, support and merchandise available, visit www.theburntchefproject.com