Widespread mental health crisis sparks major support program.
The restaurant and foodservice sector has reached a critical point where survival of the industry as a whole, may not be an option if viable widespread relief doesnโt arrive soon.
Not 9 to 5 is thrilled to announce that we were recently granted funding from The Future Skills Centre (FSC) to help bring critical support to the hospitality industry.
The Future Skills Centre (FSC) is a forward-thinking centre for research and collaboration dedicated to preparing Canadians for employment success. The funded initiative helmed by Not 9 to 5 will address new issues caused by the pandemic and the immediate need for resources to assist workers in crisis. Aptly called Mind Your Health will provide mental health education and substance use support for those affected in the food and beverage service industry from back of house staff to managers.
โThe hospitality industry is precarious even in the best of times โ and now the impact of the coronavirus pandemic is exacerbating the mental health crisis. The grant from FSC will be instrumental in leveraging our programming so that we can get help to those who need it,โ says Hassel Aviles, Executive Director at Not 9 to 5.
The initial stage of programming by Mind Your Health in spring 2021, will be to conduct a comprehensive, nation-wide research on the state of substance use and workplace mental health in the service and hospitality sector in Canada. After formal research, Not 9 to 5 will launch an online educational guidebook designed for mass comprehension across the sector, followed by a webinar series featuring mental health experts and key findings from the survey. This will be followed by a certification program to continue breaking stigmas, deepening practical mental health awareness and education for workers, and encouraging decision-makers in the industry to practise accountability.
About Mind Your Health Partners:
Reunion Inc. is an Ovare Group-owned business transformation consultancy formed to help businesses unlock their full potential with services including customer and market research, strategy consulting, brand marketing, and advertising to other businesses. Reunion will be leading the research and data analysis component of the Mind Your Health project.
Working Together specializes in organizational development, social design, digital facilitation, public engagement and strategic communication. Working Together will be leading the organizational development and learning strategy of Mind Your Health.
Brandsicle is a design-obsessed creative studio specializing in creative direction, brand strategy and user experience. They will lead creative direction, strategy and brand development for Mind Your Health.
Healthy Pour provides consultation and education to bars, restaurants, non-profit organizations and brands regarding mental health and support for individuals working in the hospitality industry. Founder Laura Green (Med, LPC) integrates her clinical and academic experiences into her work in beverage by directing her research and professional focus towards spirits education, the mental health and wellness of food and beverage professionals, and the holistic health of the beverage industry. Healthy Pour will be consulting and advising on all educational components of Mind Your Health.
Mind Your Health project by Not 9 to 5 is funded by the Government of Canadaโs Future Skills Centre.
Le projet [Mind Your Health] est financeฬ par le Centre des Compeฬtences futures du gouvernement du Canada.
