The Burnt Chef Journal The Burnt Chef Project

In this deeply moving episode, Lauren and Jo open up about their personal experiences with trauma and how it led them to use alcohol as a coping mechanism. Lauren shares her story of facing overwhelming events that left her feeling isolated, driving her to seek solace in alcohol. Jo recounts her own battle with unresolved trauma and the role alcohol played in her life as a way to manage her intense emotions and stress.
Through their heartfelt conversations, Lauren and Jo shed light on the often-hidden struggle of using alcohol to self-medicate in response to trauma. They discuss the challenges they encountered, the turning points in their journeys, and the steps they took towards healing and finding healthier coping strategies. Their experiences aim to burn the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction, offering hope and understanding to listeners who may be facing similar battles.
Join us for an inspiring and honest discussion that emphasizes the importance of seeking professional support and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
 
Lauren is the Commercial Director for Loopcycle, and Chairwoman for CIBSE TM65 for Commercial Catering Equipment.
Jo is a presenter and MHFAid Instructor for the mental health charity State of Mind Sport.
 
This episode is full of raw emotion - if you'd like to spark a conversation about how you're feeling: 
📱 Text BURNTCHEF to 85258 (UK) 24/7📞 Call 0800 085 1376 (UK) 24/7📞 Call +44 (0)20 7938 0963 (Global) 24/7📧 Email burntchef@cicwellbeing.com (Global)
 

✨ Hospitality Highlights ✨
On 10th May, Kris Hall and Cara Houchen were joined by guest speakers for another live episode of Hospitality Highlights!
Our guest speakers were:
⭐ Kelly Higginson, CEO of Restaurants Canada
⭐ Paulo De Tarso, Restaurateur and TedTalk Speaker
 
Listen in as we discuss the support the hospitality industry gets in western speaking countries from their government, and what can each country can learn from each other. 💭

✨ Hospitality Highlights ✨
On 3rd May, Kris Hall and Cara Houchen were joined by guest speakers for another live episode of Hospitality Highlights!
 
Our guest speakers were:
⭐ Andy Tait (CMgr FCMI, MBA), Director of Quality of Performance Learning Group
⭐ Marguerite Keogh, Head Chef at Five Fields
 
Listen in as we talk apprenticeships, levy funding, and the challenges businesses face accessing apprenticeships. 💭

This week's guest on The Burnt Chef Journal is Jeremy Dixon! Jeremy has dedicated the past 15 years of his career to the speciality foodservice industry, and is currently at the helm of Ochil Foods, a business that was originally established by his parents 35 years ago. Together with David Laing, Jeremy strives to continue and expand upon their legacy to serve Scotland’s chef.
In addition to his professional achievements, Jeremy lives with bi-polar affective disorder, an experience that has profoundly shaped his perspective on life and mental health. His journey has included over a year spent in NHS Mental Hospitals, where he encountered some of the most remarkable and talented individuals. These interactions have fuelled his passion for mental health advocacy and inspired him to help others achieve their full potential.
In his spare time, Jeremy has been laying the groundwork for Empath Centres—centres of excellence dedicated to teaching life skills to those entangled in the mental health system. This system often leads individuals to rely on sickness benefits, which can exacerbate their challenges. The Empath Centres aim to break this cycle by offering apprenticeships across various fields such as business, the arts, the armed forces, and education. Their goal is to guide individuals towards meaningful career paths and fulfilling lives.
Through Empath Centres, Jeremy is committed to creating opportunities that empower people to thrive, leveraging their unique talents and abilities. He believes that with the right support and guidance, everyone can lead a productive and rewarding life.
Take a listen to this episode as Jeremy shares his personal experiences and how he aims to support others. www.ochilfoods.co.uk

The Burnt Chef Project founder, Kris Hall, and co-host Cara Houchen were joined by guest speakers:
⭐ Bianca Tavella, Founder and CEO of Fair Shot
⭐ Lisa Hobbs, CEO of Etymon Projects
 
Listen in as they discuss Rishi Sunak's worries of "benefits becoming a lifestyle choice", and whether the industry does enough to encourage those with disabilities or health issues into the sector. 💭
 
Hospitality highlights is recorded live every Friday at 9:30am BST across LinkedIn and Facebook - join in this week.

The Burnt Chef Project founder, Kris Hall, and co-host Cara Houchen were joined by guest speakers:
⭐ Kate Nicholls OBE, CEO of UKHospitality
⭐ Mex Ibrahim, Founder of Women In The Food Industry
Listen in as they discuss the rise of the minimum wage and the impact this may have on the hospitality industry. 💭
 
Hospitality highlights is recorded live every Friday at 9:30am BST across LinkedIn and Facebook - join in this week.