We’ve all felt the impact and turmoil of the pandemic, whether it’s a shift in how we work, seeing less of our friends or family or struggling with our mental health. Some have had it rougher than others – frontline workers in particular – but one industry that’s suffered more than most is hospitality. The restaurants, bars, caterers, hoteliers and everyone else who makes up the UK’s fourth-largest workforce have been subject to closures, reduced footfall and sudden changing of the rules and tiers with very little notice. The support from the government has been lacklustre (to say the least), but there are thankfully other organisations helping wherever they can.
Hospitality Action has been doing just that for 183 years. Anyone who works (or who has worked) in hospitality – from high-end restaurants and hotels to cafés, bars and school caterers – can seek help and support from the charity. Finances, mental health, issues in the workplace, addiction and general advice is on offer to those who need it.
‘Anywhere where food is being served or hospitality is being offered, we can help,’ says Mark Lewis, who became the CEO of Hospitality Action in 2017. ‘We mostly help people with grants – for example, if they can’t pay some bills or perhaps need a stairlift installing at home after a life-changing illness. We also offer means-tested counselling, to support people in the industry who are struggling with their mental health, along with help in lots of other areas where workers need additional support.’