London's QEII Centre is partnering with commercial kitchen cleaning specialist Bright Hygiene, pioneer of social enterprise 5asideCHESS’s Battling Suicide Bus, to bring the bus to Westminster as a stage for mental health discussions with a difference.
The initiative is part of a drive to tackle mental health issues in hospitality and events with the intention of actioning real change in the way organisations and individuals handle workplace wellbeing. It calls for stakeholders from across the hospitality industry to meet and identify the root causes of the issues which lead to mental health problems and suicide, with the proviso they pledge tangible support for industry-wide solutions to improve the situation.
QEII’s sales and marketing director Diane Waldron is challenging stakeholders who want to help drive forward change, to apply for their seat on 5asideCHESS’s Battling Suicide Bus, where two separate discussions will take place on Friday 20 March.
The first candid discussion will involve frontline staff, such as event planners, chefs and front-of-house staff who will share their experiences and thoughts on mental health issues and their causes before discussing ways they, and their employers can help improve the working environment.
The second discussion will bring together senior members of staff and industry leaders who will discuss the issues faced in the workplace, but more importantly, present solutions which they will pledge to back and implement.
Diane Waldron said: “I’ve worked in the event and hospitality industry for over 30 years. Both sectors are high-pressured environments which can lead to those working in them becoming stressed and developing mental health problems.
“That is why we at QEII are collaborating with stakeholders to bring about meaningful change in the industry. Where mental health is concerned, talking and listening are good, but action is better. We can’t just create tick box solutions which protect employers but don’t help those who are suffering. Together we can make a difference”
The Battling Suicide Bus, which travels around the UK and has been signed with more than 300 messages to loved ones lost to suicide, will be parked outside the QEII Centre in Westminster on Friday 20 March.
With space limited to six seats for each discussion, QEII will select applications with priority given to individuals and organisations who share the same passion for making a change.
Applications for a seat on the bus should be made here by Friday 6 March.
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
