ceda is proud to launch its new mental health and wellbeing working group, cedaWellbeing.

At the end of 2024, ceda announced the formation of its new working groups structure to focus on some of the most important topics facing the catering equipment and foodservice industry. Mental Health & Wellbeing was identified as a key focus area and so cedaWellbeing was born.

The Group, made up of ceda Members, the Academy, the Board, Partners, and external specialists, has been established 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 explains, “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 breakdown 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.”

Perfectly modelling the working group structure of collaboration, community and connection, cedaWellbeing is supported by ceda Associate Member, and hospitality industry mental health powerhouse, The Burnt Chef Project. Its Founder, Kris Hall, is delighted to be involved. He 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.

“At The Burnt Chef Project, we are proud to support this initiative and continue our mission to break the stigma surrounding mental health. By working together, we can cement a better future for hospitality and provide essential support for those who need it most.”

Hayley Scott, Design & Implementation Manager at Catering Equipment Support Ltd, is a part of the new cedaWellbeing working group, and ceda Academy Leadership Team member. She is passionate about raising mental health awareness in the industry. She said, “It is exciting to be involved in an initiative that brings the catering equipment community together to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health. cedaWellbeing provide events and initiatives to our industry that will encourage people to talk and reach out for help should they need it.”

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

On Friday 28^th 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. ceda will be providing Members and Partners with resources they can display during the event to make people aware of the mental health and wellbeing support that is available.

Anyone with ideas or wanting to collaborate with the Group, or those wishing to know more can get in touch (anonymously, if preferred) via the cedaWellbeing webpage: ceda.co.uk/ceda-wellbeing/

Please note, cedaWellbeing is NOT a mental health support provider. The Group exists to raise awareness and offer signposting to resources and training that is available to the catering equipment industry. Anyone who needs immediate mental health support should contact the Samaritans on 116 123. The Burnt Chef Project should be the next port of call for anyone in the industry needing specific mental health support: Text BURNTCHEF to 85258.