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On this episode of World on a Plate, we break through the taboo to talk about an important mission: providing support to individuals within the hospitality industry in areas of mental health, addiction, and well-being.
Hospitality Health is a Scottish charity, formed in August of 2018 to support staff in the amazing world of hospitality. It is clear that for several years the industry has become more stressful for an extremely hard working management and staff.
The trustees decided it was time to act and help those who are in need of support, by providing wellbeing advice and signposting organizations that can help.
Last year Hospitality Health supported the training of over 30 HR and GMs in Scotland on a Mental Health First Aid certificated course. This was vital with the staff furlough and redundancies that were taking place around the country, ensuring that staff’s wellbeing was also considered at this challenging time.
With the rest of the year ahead, hear their vision to help the hospitality family achieve better health, from Employee Assistance Programs to self help resources.
About our Guest
Gordon McIntyre has been involved in delivering and managing education and training for over 30 years. A graduate of the Glasgow College of Food Technology, and Glasgow Caledonian University, is now Associate Dean for Hospitality & Tourism at City of Glasgow College. Gordon values training & development opportunities at all levels for staff. During his time in education, Gordon has continued to have strong links with industry, in the Hospitality, Events and Tourism sector. Industry experience includes hotel management, public house management, Purser with P&O Cruises as well as events management in the west coast of Scotland.
A people person, Gordon promotes a culture of positive customer experience, encouraging students and staff to provide a five star service, believing we are in the business of making memories. The winner of the Catering in Scotland Education Excellence Award in 2016, College Principals prize in 2017, Hospitality Industry Trust, Industry award in 2018. In May 2019, he was presented with a Fellowship at the Scottish Hotel awards for ‘Outstanding contribution to the industry’. At the Glasgow’s Inspiring City Awards in September 2019, Gordon was recognised with a Highly Commended award in the Education category and a CATEY shortlisted finalist in 2020.
He is presently the Chair of SQA Events Qualification Steering team, Vice chair of Experience Glasgow, a member of Springboard Scotland advisory board, member of the Scottish Tourism skills group, a committee member and immediate past chair of Scottish Hospitality & Tourism Association.
He is also the Chairman of the recently launched Scottish charity Hospitality Health, created to support employers and employees within the vibrant and challenging hospitality industry.
An optimistic person, who believes a positive mind leads to a positive outcome, and you should strive to be the best at whatever you do, whether a professor, nurse administrator or a mechanic.
He has 3 awesome children, David, Katie and Louise not forgetting a cocker spaniel called Jonah. In any spare time that is available Gordon enjoys getting out on trails in the mountains of Scotland on his bike. A daily cycle to work from home using a canal path from the west end of Glasgow helps to keep him fit!
Resources
Struggling with mental health or addiction? You aren’t alone. You can find self help and support resources at hospitalityhealth.org.uk.
You can also find interesting reads on their blog, including this recent interview with Worldchefs Continential Director Neil Thompson.
Want to help support the cause?Hospitality Action, their partner charity, provides support to hospitality staff in these difficult times. Find out how to give at www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/donate.
If you would like to support Hospitality Heath at events, or through fundraising activities, contact their team.
For more for Hospitality Health, follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
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Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Gordon McIntyre for joining as a guest.
World on a Plate is supported by Nestlé Professional and our podcast sponsors.
