Raising mental health awareness in the kitchen
SANDTON – As Africa's largest mental health support and advocacy group, Sadag hopes to change the mindset of those in the kitchen and create a more encouraging environment with the helpline.
A professional kitchen is unlike any other work environment.
Everything moves at an extreme pace, chefs operate in close quarters and workdays are extended, this one-of-a-kind industry can be both physically and mentally challenging.
To help support employees taking on the heat in the kitchen, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) partnered with Unilever Food Solutions South African through its #FairKitchen movement to launch a free 24/7 helpline.
The dedicated line connects people in the foodservice industry with the resources that they need to improve their mental well-being.
According to James Khoza, president of the South African Chefs Association and executive chef at Sandton Convention Centre, the profession is infamously known for its long hours and high stress levels which is why a partnership such as this is a big step in the right direction.
“Research reveals a serious well-being issue within professional kitchens. Chefs are reporting high levels of exhaustion, emotional abuse and sleep deprivation. We’re losing talent and failing to attract new chefs to the industry,” said Khoza.
According to Unilever Food Solutions:
- One in four chefs has suffered physical abuse
- Many are too busy looking after other chefs to look after themselves
- 53 per cent feel they been pushed to breaking point
- 34 per cent feel underappreciated on a daily basis
- 63 per cent of chefs reports suffering from depression
- 74 feel sleep deprived to the point of exhaustion
- 60 per cent of young chefs do not feel in control of their career progression.
Unilever Food Solutions executive chef Craig Elliot added that the additional challenges brought about by Covid-19 only made matters more challenging for everyone in the kitchen.
“With the outbreak and restrictions of Covid-19, there are without a doubt increased levels of stress and anxiety in the kitchen. Some restaurants and hotels were previously closed and many chefs have lost their jobs, so the #FairKitchens movement is one that needs to be promoted across every kitchen,” said Elliot.
As Africa’s largest mental health support and advocacy group, Sadag hopes to change the mindset of those in the kitchen and create a more encouraging environment with the helpline. The support group has a network of more than 200 support groups throughout the country and professional counselling available 24/7.
“The dedicated hotline is manned by dedicated counsellors who are trained by the group. They are equipped with self-help tips and coping skills – counsellors continually go through training in order to better assist those in need,” said Sadag operations manager Vanishaa Gordhan.
Khoza concluded, “We can’t continue to ignore this, we need to work towards creating a more positive, supportive kitchen culture. That’s why I wholeheartedly support the #FairKitchens movement. The #FairKitchens Code promotes passion and communication, teamwork and respect – values we need to support and live by to make our industry a better one.”
If you require support, contact the helpline on 0800 006 333.
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