Mental Health Champions
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and to mark this important week, we’re proud to announce our commitment to championing mental health within the workplace by having trained key members of our team as Mental Health First Aiders last week, reinforcing our dedication to the well-being of our employees.
Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being, yet it remains a topic that is often overlooked or stigmatised, especially in the hospitality industry. Recognising the need for change, we have decided to take proactive approach to prioritising mental health. By empowering our staff as Mental Health First Aiders, we’re creating a safe and supportive environment for our employees and everyone who walks through its doors.
From left to right, our Mental Health First Aider at Ambiente; Jessica Harrison, Lynsey Noble, Michal Filip, Gary Simmonds, Louise Bloom, Becky Riches, Daniel Stevens, Felix Andrew, Emilijus Kregzde
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a globally recognized training program that equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to provide initial support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis or struggling with their mental well-being. We have collaborated with Connect2Care, mental health industry experts, who deliver award-winning vocational training to develop outstanding employees whilst helping organisations create a safe, caring, effective and well-led environment. They delivered comprehensive MHFA training to 9 members of our management team, ensuring they are equipped to recognize and respond effectively to mental health concerns.
The course provided them with the valuable tools in providing mental health first aid to someone experience a mental health crisis, creating a mentally healthy work environment, looking after our employee's mental health and providing signposting for our team to get further help should they need it.
By having Mental Health First Aiders present in the restaurant, both employees and customers can feel reassured that there is a compassionate and understanding support system in place. This fosters an environment where mental health concerns can be openly discussed without fear of judgement or discrimination.
Our operations team, who undertook the Mental Health First Aid Training throughout the end of 2022, firmly believes that mental health should be treated with the same importance as physical health. By taking this proactive step, we aim to normalise discussions about mental health and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Our goal is to create an inclusive space where individuals feel comfortable reaching out for help or engaging in meaningful conversations about mental well-being.
Rob Scott-South, Group General Manager at Ambiente Tapas, said: “Championing mental health in the restaurant industry is about nourishing the well-being of our employees. By championing mental health in our restaurants, we’re helping to make a step in the right direction to destigmatise mental health in the restaurant industry as a whole. We believe that fostering a safe space for open conversations about mental health, and providing a support network for those who need it through our Mental Health First Aiders, will contribute to the overall health, happiness and wellbeing of our team. By prioritising Mental Health wellbeing, we’re serving up a recipe for positive change and creating an environment that feeds the mind.”
In addition to providing MHFA-trained staff, we also have an established Employee Assistance Programme, Croner, which has been running within the organisation for a number of years. This provides our team with access to a 24 hour confidential helpline to support them through any of life’s issues or problems.
We're so proud of Jess, Lynsey, Michal, Gary, Louise, Becky, Dan, Felix & Emi for taking on this really important training and being empowered to help us cultivate important mental health practices throughout our restaurants.
By formalising our Mental Health training, we hope to demonstrate that it is possible to create a restaurant environment that prioritises mental health and we hope to encourage everyone to prioritise mental health every day and to act as a reminder that taking the time to talk can make a huge difference.