WHEN YOU’RE
not OK
UK hospitality workers have been among the worst affected by lockdown measures during 2020, so if you feel like you’re struggling, you’re far from alone
18 Eat » ISSUE 2 2021
L
ast year will go down in history as one of the toughest years imaginable, courtesy of Covid-19 and lockdown measures. For the hospitality sector, it has been brutal. Busy kitchens and bustling cafes all closed overnight. Staff were furloughed, not knowing if they had a job to return to. Fear and uncertainty, coupled with boredom and lack of routine have resulted in what can only be described as a sectorwide mental health crisis. Foodservice was already hard on its workers’ mental health, with one in two workers saying they had struggled with mental health issues. As a result, chefs Andrew Clarke and Doug Sanham launched Pilot Light, a campaign aimed at raising
awareness of mental health issues for those working in the industry. The campaign has a range of fantastic resources available including podcasts, reports, videos, sleep tips, motivational soundbites and even recipes designed to make you feel good. Visit pilotlightcampaign.co.uk to find out more. If you feel that you may be struggling, try these steps and further resources for support.
MAKE CONNECTIONS
Whether it’s friends, family or colleagues, connecting with others can make a huge difference to how you feel. Spend time nurturing relationships with those you’re close to. Share your feelings and ask about theirs, and you’ll reap the benefits.
