AMBASSADOR BLOG - ANTHONY HART

Welcome to part one of our new series, The Burnt Chef Ambassador Blog. A series dedicated to our very own Burnt Chef Brigade, a group of fantastic humans who make up the The Burnt Chef Project Ambassadors.

Sharing experiences is key to ending the stigma of mental health in the hospitality trade. Knowing you’re not alone can be a really empowering part of the journey towards better mental health.

We want to highlight some of the fantastic 'Burnt Chef Brigade' ambassadors we work with whilst sharing their own experiences.

In the first of this series, Head chef Anthony Hart from BaxterStorey talks about his personal journey with mental health and how his involvement with The Burnt Chef Project led to him becoming a mental health and well-being ambassador:

I struggled with depression and anxiety for a few years and it took me a long time to speak out and ask for help. I reached out to a senior employee of BaxterStorey and they were amazing. The help and support that I received was life-changing.

During the first lockdown last year, I found out about The Burnt Chef Project and their work to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health in the hospitality industry. It really spoke to me after my personal experience of how important it is that people should be able to talk about their mental health, in the same way as if they had a headache. Also, that managers and co-workers know how to support each other.

The Burnt Chef Project did a well-being survey in June, and some of the figures the survey showed were shocking. It’s sad to hear and it’s time for change.

It was then that I decided to become an ambassador for The Burnt Chef Project, to help raise awareness across our industry. To become an ambassador, I had to complete an online training course which I finished in July last year. My main motivation for joining was because I don't want anyone to be laughed at or disregarded when they ask for help.

"My main motivation for joining was because I don’t want anyone to be laughed at or disregarded when they ask for help"

Since joining The Burnt Chef Project, the community has grown so quickly, going from strength to strength. We not only raise awareness, but also provide mental health training. We help raise funds to support this training through corporate sponsors and the sale of branded merchandise. The founder, Kris Hall also hosts a podcast – The Burnt Chef Journal and often has industry leaders talking about how poor mental health has affected them, their families and their careers.

I have recently taken on a new role within BaxterStorey as a mental health and well-being ambassador for my Operation Manager’s patch. I have met all the managers and am beginning to help them to support their team’s well-being during these challenging times. As soon as Covid-19 restrictions allow, I plan to meet all the teams, working alongside them on a regular basis to talk all things mental health. I also have some well-being events planned for the coming months, which I’m looking forward to delivering.

When I was in a bad place, my wife told me that I couldn’t give up on an industry that I have worked for my whole life and one that I thoroughly enjoy.

I am very proud to be linked to such an amazing charity that has already had a positive impact on so many.

You can follow Anthony via his Instagram @anthony_d_hart

If you're struggling and want to talk to someone in confidence, you can text BURNTCHEF to 85258 (UK) and HOME to 741741 (Canada or USA) any time day or night. We've got your back.