HOSPITALITY'S MENTAL HEALTH HERO AWARDS 2026

Introducing your 2026 Mental Health Heroes!

Learning & Development Excellence

Sponsored by Clarence Court

WINNER: Performance Learning Group

RUNNER UP: Coleg Cambria

Best Mental Health Campaign / Event

Sponsored by Tofoo

WINNER: Doncaster College Hospitality & Catering Department

RUNNER UP: Leah Dunnigan

Wellbeing Innovation

Sponsored by Unox UK Ltd

WINNER: Alice Hendy, Ripple

RUNNER UP: Andy Aston, The Craft Guild of Chefs

Wellbeing Champion of the Year - International

Sponsored by Maidaid UK

WINNER: Daniel Wolfe, Howling Hospitality Inc

RUNNER UP: Arnali Ray, Hollywood Food Coalition

Wellbeing Champion of the Year UK

Sponsored by Maidaid UK

WINNER: Jason Barnwell, Thomas Franks

RUNNER UP: Laura Creasey, The Laine Pub Co

Rising Star

Sponsored by Prowrap

WINNER: Hayden Childs

RUNNER UP: Joel Pennington

Hospitality Wellbeing Workplace of the Year

Sponsored by United Fresh Consortium

WINNER: Edgbaston Park Hotel

RUNNER UP: Kitchen Kettle Village

Outstanding Supporter / Industry Advocate

Sponsored by Pukka Pies

WINNER: Urban Food Service

RUNNER UP: Butcombe Pub & Inns

The Burnt Chef Choice Award

Talent Hive

Ambassador Commercial

GOLD: Rob Hood - Canada

SILVER: Laura Goldberg - Australia

BRONZE: Tony Lewis - UK

Ambassador Educational

Sponsored by Performance Learning Group

GOLD: Carrie-Ann Higgs - UK

SILVER: Kev Stapler - UK

BRONZE: Chris Aquilino - USA

Ambassador Fundraising

Sponsored by Zest Food Service Solutions.

GOLD: Nikki Williams - UK

SILVER: Sam Sears - UK

BRONZE: Lee Brooks - UK

Ambassador Newcomer

GOLD: Artem Dychenko - Ukraine

SILVER: Ross Duncan - UK

BRONZE: Matty Gallagher - Australia

Ambassador Influencer

Sponsored by Kitchen Cut

GOLD: John Dunne - Ireland

SILVER: Imrun Texeira - Canada

BRONZE: Connor Ringrose - UK

If Monday reminded us of anything, it’s that we’re not alone in this,

and there is real strength in that.

Our 2026 Hospitality’s Mental Health Heroes Awards wouldn’t have happened without the businesses who got behind them.

To each and every one of our event partners: thank you. Your generosity and continued support have created positive change, and we are truly grateful.

And to all of our winners, runners up and nominees, congratulations.

It was an honour to celebrate you at Salesforce Tower, London.

Keep striving for a healthier industry!

The Burnt Chef Project