Ceda introduces mental health working group

Catering equipment distributor trade body, ceda, has launched a mental health and wellbeing working group called cedaWellbeing.

Having identified mental health and wellbeing as a key focus area for the catering equipment and foodservice industry, ceda established the new group to provide a place where industry-specific resources, training and information can be accessed, as well as providing activities and events that help to break down the stigma of mental health issues.

A dedicated area of the ceda website has been created to house the information and resources, as well as details of events and activities. The website also contains a link to the Samaritans website for immediate support in a mental health crisis.

Ceda’s community development manager Steve Hemsil said: “We want to provide meaningful mental health and wellbeing signposting and resources to anyone in the industry; from engineers to managing directors; sole traders to multi-million-pound companies.

“We want to break down the stigma of mental health and provide a platform for anyone in the industry to find the assistance they may need. The information is available free of charge, and anyone can access the webpage.”

CedaWellbeing is supported by associate member and hospitality industry mental health initiative, the Burnt Chef Project. Its founder, Kris Hall, said: “Mental health support should be accessible to everyone, and ceda’s new wellbeing working group and website are a significant step in ensuring individuals and businesses across the catering equipment industry have the resources they need.

“By working together, we can cement a better future for hospitality and provide essential support for those who need it most."

The group kicked-off proceedings with a webinar in January where future initiatives and events were discussed.

On Friday 28 March, ceda is encouraging its members and partners to hold an open coffee morning for staff to meet-up and check-in with one another in the office or on the road. The trade body will be providing resources that can be displayed during the event to make people aware of the mental health and wellbeing support that is available.