Hospitality Action urges those struggling with mental health to call its helpline as industry faces renewed pressures

With the industry facing tough months ahead under further restrictions, Hospitality Action has urged those struggling with their mental health to reach out via its confidential helpline, which is available around the clock.

After days of speculation the prime minister this afternoon confirmed that further restrictions would be placed on the industry for a predicted six-month period. The news coincided with reports of further redundancies for major businesses in the industry.

Mark Lewis, chief executive of Hospitality Action, said: “There’s no doubt that the industry is facing a huge swathe of redundancies and venue closures in the coming weeks; and at HA we’re preparing for a steep rise in applications to us for financial support. But what’s also becoming clear, is that the industry is heading towards a mental health crisis. The uncertainty that accompanies the current situation is having a detrimental impact on the mental wellbeing of people at all stages in their career.

“Just this morning, a social media post promoting our helpline received over six times more shares and comments than normal, which while in no way scientific, indicates that anxiety levels have gone up a gear in the last day or so. To further reinforce this trend we’ve also seen a steady increase in traffic to our free online advice hub and contact with our helpline over the last week.

“If you’re concerned about your own mental wellbeing, or that of a colleague – I’d strongly urge you to get in touch. Our adviceline is free of charge and open 24/7 call 0808 802 0282. We also have lots of practical information on our website covering mental health, addiction, employment and family issues all freely available at www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/advice.”

Last week Hospitality Action launched an industry-wide survey into current attitudes towards mental health and stress in the sector in light of recent added pressures caused by the pandemic to inform its future working.

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