Phil Howard and Tom Kerridge throw weight behind addiction awareness campaign

Phil Howard and Tom Kerridge have thrown their weight behind the relaunch of industry charity Hospitality Action’s (HA) addiction awareness educational programme.

The two Michelin-starred chefs feature in a film as part of the scheme’s efforts to highlight the dangers of alcohol and drug dependency to students studying for hospitality qualifications.

The new film has replaced the previous face-to-face lecture format used to deliver the information young people in the industry need to make sensible choices and to spot warning signs in their own or their friends’ behaviours.

This means the charity can reach more people in the crucial period at the start of the academic year and that the film can be easily revisited by tutors and students throughout the year.

Mark Lewis, chief executive of HA, said: “By re-imagining our programme with a high-quality film, we can reach more students than ever before with our important message, and I’m very grateful to Tom and Phil for being so open about their own relationship with drugs or alcohol during their careers.

“Their candour makes for a high impact film delivered in a tone which will grab students’ attention and encourage guided debate with their tutors.”

The Professional Association for Catering Education (PACE) is supporting the distribution of the film to colleges.

PACE chair Molook Shaher added: “This is an amazing support mechanism, in place for all in hospitality. College hospitality students will leave us knowing that HA are there to support them through their career, if any problems occur along the way."

The film, which also touches on the risks posed by other forms of addiction such as gambling and high-caffeine energy drinks, will be accompanied by a discussion guide so that tutors can encourage students to explore the issues raised to equip them with the skills needed to make positive choices when entering the workplace.

Available to be viewed online, the film will also be offered by the charity to employers seeking to use it as a training resource for their own teams.