Nick's Journey with Greene King's Ability Committee and Mental Health Advocacy
Snippet Title
TRIGGER WARNING: This blogpost contains sensitive content related to mental health and suicide. The following material may be distressing for some readers. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, please seek professional help immediately. Reader discretion is advised.
Snippet Title
Ability, one of our Employee Led Inclusion Groups, aims to support people with visible and non-visible disabilities. People often think of disabilities as being physical, but around 1 in 4 people in the UK experience a mental health problem, which classes as a disability too, each year.
Snippet Title
Our committee is hugely passionate about supporting mental health, which has previously led us to run a panel discussion with two Greene King employees and the founder of the Burnt Chef Project, a company created to tackle the stigma of mental health within the hospitality industry. One of the employees, and Ability committee members, joins us today to discuss mental health.
Nick, tell us a little about you. How long have you been with Greene King and what’s your current role?
Snippet Title
I have been with Greene King over 10 years now. I was originally part of the audit team and then seconded into the Risk Team for a new trial that was running. After a successful trial, I was offered a full-time position in the risk team as a Regional Risk manager. I currently oversee and manage 163 sites, covering all aspects of food safety, fire safety and other health & safety.
Now talk to us about Ability. Why did you join the committee?
Snippet Title
After spending a day in trade with Nick Mackenzie, discussing accessibility, he recommended that I join the Committee. I have to say that small steps make a big difference and I want to be part of the progressive change we can help drive forwards in such a big company.
What do you think Ability can do to support others?
Snippet Title
Allyship is huge - I have received great support whilst being in Ability. The fundamental thing is if we all work together, we can make a step change that will have a huge impact on the culture of Greene King as a whole.
So, we know that one man dies every 2 hours by suicide which is a scarily high statistic. Why do you think this is so high?
Snippet Title
Having experienced how low you can go with my own struggles and my mental health followed by subsequent attempt to take my own life; I see why it is so high. Quite simply men do not talk, and this is a very real statistic in the modern society. We still use the term “Commit” suicide as though it’s a crime, which is how it used to be deemed a long time ago.
It’s not a crime now, but it still faces stigma which stops people talking. Men need to be open to discussing how low they feel and through friendship and allyship they can. The demographic of the most vulnerable age group used to be 35-45 years old however that demographic has moved to 45-55 years old. I facilitate at my local Andy’s Man Club, and I can see the change in people when they talk, the weight is lifted, and you see the progress that they make. #itsokaytotalk
What can we do at Greene King, with Ability’s support, to help reduce the stigma you’ve just talked about?
Snippet Title
By promoting AMC and the fact that it's okay to talk and by being there for that one person that may need to talk. The happiest person who is the life and soul of the party is often the person who is deflecting and by this I mean that they don’t want to be asked if they are ok. I read something about a guy who held a massive party for his birthday and was a brilliant host, everyone loved the evening and party. They left saying it was the best party they had been to in years. 2 days later the guy took his own life by suicide only then did they realise that it was a goodbye party. Nobody saw it because he was deflecting. If this teaches us anything it teaches us its not the one who you expect it’s the one that you don’t expect.
Thanks so much for your time so far, Nick. We’re moving to our final two questions now. What’s your one tip for people who might be reading this and feeling like they aren’t in a good place?
Snippet Title
Make time for a coffee and chat with others, to just talk, and seek out local support groups, like Andy’s Man Club, which is a peer-on-peer support group for men that are struggling.
And, finally, what would your advice be for everyone at Greene King to ensure that we’re all working towards a culture that supports Mental Health?
Snippet Title
My advice is to ask a 2nd question “How are you doing today?” followed by “Are you really okay, do you fancy having a coffee and a chat?”. Mental health (men’s included) doesn’t only occur 1 week a year, it can be a daily struggle, so we need to ensure that this topic stays on our minds all year round. Let’s not stop talking about it!
Snippet Title
Find out more about Andy’s Man Club, including where your local support group would be, or learn more about the Burnt Chef Project.
Listen to Nick Sewell and Kris Hall's full panel.
related jobs
Salary
Upto £11.44 per hour
Location
White Barn (Cuddington) , Cuddington , CW8 2LD
Business Area
Cleaner
Brand
Hungry Horse
Hours
Part time
Location
Cuddington
Description
As a Cleaner, you will...Need to contact Heather 07738300702 for employment please Ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and safety by following procedures at all timesBe responsible for cleanin
Reference
39624623-01fb-4109-9eb7-3a3df9db0ed0
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Upto £13.50 per hour + Tips
Location
Projectionist (Braehead) , Glasgow , PA4 8XQ
Business Area
Kitchen Assistant
Brand
Hungry Horse
Hours
Full time
Location
Renfrew
Description
As a Kitchen Assistant, you will.. Help the kitchen service run smooth by making sure it is well stocked and clean Maintaining hygiene levels and safety regulations in the kitchen to help to guarantee
Reference
85b2e7e9-4dc1-4a46-85de-ed32b914ae6a
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Upto £14.00 per hour + Tips
Location
Projectionist (Braehead) , Glasgow , PA4 8XQ
Business Area
Chef
Brand
Hungry Horse
Hours
Full time
Location
Renfrew
Description
As a Chef, you will… Prepare, cook and present food which meets specs and customer expectations. Maintain hygiene levels and safety regulations in the kitchen to help to guarantee the safety of your
Reference
b0cfa3cb-f38f-4c44-80a0-83b42a6c20c1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Competitive Salary
Location
Sunrise House , Burton-upon-Trent , DE14 3JZ
Business Area
Finance
Brand
Greene King
Hours
Full time
Location
Burton upon Trent
Description
This advert will close on Friday 3rd January 2025This role is a Senior Professional PT Career Band Location: Burton or Bury St EdmundsYour role as Assistant Reporting and Planning ManagerProduce, or s
Reference
3616820c-e0aa-49fa-8f8e-9b46695314b1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Rebecca SteffenAuthor
Rebecca SteffenSalary
Upto £12.00 per hour
Location
Stonegallows Inn (Taunton) , Taunton , TA1 5JP
Business Area
Chef
Brand
Hungry Horse
Hours
Full time
Location
Taunton
Description
As a Chef, you will… Prepare, cook and present food which meets specs and customer expectations. Maintain hygiene levels and safety regulations in the kitchen to help to guarantee the safety of your
Reference
80887aee-9c65-4dae-9073-d811a46b9125
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Upto £12.00 per hour
Location
Black Horse (Trowbridge) , Trowbridge , BA14 0DU
Business Area
Cleaner
Brand
Greene King Pubs
Hours
Full time
Location
Trowbridge
Description
As a Cleaner, you will...Ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and safety by following procedures at all timesBe responsible for cleaning and presenting our public areas perfectly so they are re
Reference
7a89ed3c-7d5e-480b-8717-9158e00c3c9c
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Upto £13.00 per hour
Location
Flyer (Chelmsford) , Chelmsford , CM1 4UU
Business Area
Chef
Brand
Flaming Grill
Hours
Full time
Location
Chelmsford
Description
As a Chef, you will…Prepare, cook, and present food that meets specs and customer expectationsMaintain hygiene levels and safety regulations in the kitchen to help guarantee the safety of your entire
Reference
24ce1ff1-b3bc-4e7a-9505-d2925956462c
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Upto £11.50 per hour + Tips
Location
Castle & Ball Hotel (Marlborough) , Marlborough , SN8 1LZ
Business Area
Bar Staff
Brand
Venture Hotels
Hours
Full time
Location
Marlborough
Description
As a member of our Bar Staff, you will…Provide customers with a heartfelt and memorable experience each and every time they visitBe the insider behind the bar, offering recommendations to customersPre
Reference
632b84cf-5e6a-4650-81cb-5dcdab0af500
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Upto £12.00 per hour + Tips
Location
Zetland Arms (Kensington) , Kensington , SW7 3EX
Business Area
Waiting Staff
Brand
Greene King Pubs
Hours
Part time
Location
London
Description
As Seasonal Waiting Staff, you will...Provide customers with a heartfelt and memorable experience each and every time they visitKnow the menu inside out, offering recommendations to customersGreet, se
Reference
65efb660-6671-4c83-9126-ff9c1205efcb
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Upto £12.50 per hour
Location
Chestnut Tree (Andover) , Andover , SP10 3LL
Business Area
Team Leader
Brand
Greene King Pubs
Hours
Full time
Location
Andover
Description
As a Team Leader, you will…Provide customers with a heartfelt and memorable experience each and every time they visitDeputise for the management team and resolve any issues that arise in their absence
Reference
74143e3c-b0a7-4745-bb1f-427ceadd17ef
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
related posts
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogsPublish date
11/22/2024
Summary
Santa hats and advent calendars at the ready - Christmas is just around the corner. Looking to fund those final stocking-fillers without missing out on the festive fun? With Christmas jobs at Greene
by
Rachel Lang
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogsPublish date
11/22/2024
Summary
Do you love cooking up a storm in the kitchen? If you’re looking for a career full of flavour, a chef job could be the recipe for you. Our chefs are the heartbeat of every Greene King kitchen team,
by
Lucy Richardson
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogsPublish date
11/14/2024
Summary
Greene King, one of the UK's leading pub and brewing companies, is your gateway to an exciting and fulfilling career as a chef. With a rich history spanning over 200 years, we offer a unique opportun
by
Ellie Burrows
Teaser
ApprenticeshipsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
11/14/2024
Summary
Are you ready to kickstart your career in an exciting and thriving industry? At Greene King, we’re passionate about brewing great experiences, not just in our pubs but also in the careers we nurture
by
Rachel Lang
Teaser
BreweryContent Type
BlogsPublish date
11/12/2024
Summary
At Greene King, we’re proud to offer great career progression opportunities. You can build a career that goes whichever way you want to go. David’s inspiring transformation is a shining example
by
Sara Mills
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogsPublish date
11/08/2024
Summary
What is a live-in role? We hear you ask. Well, let us tell you all about the live-in jobs at Greene King along with the benefits of working in such a way and how to apply to the roles we’ve got on o
by
Caroline Atkins
Teaser
ManagementContent Type
BlogsPublish date
10/29/2024
Summary
Is there anywhere happier than the pub? The place where people go to enjoy each other’s company and indulge in delicious food and drink. This lively atmosphere is created by our Pub Managers who head
by
Carol Watson
Teaser
Head OfficeContent Type
BlogsPublish date
10/25/2024
Summary
No matter who you are, or where you’ve come from, at Greene King, our hospitality jobs see you working alongside talented people who love what they do. We're always on the lookout for like-minded foo
by
Charlotte Insley (She/Her)
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogsPublish date
10/04/2024
Summary
So you’ve got an upcoming interview for a bar staff position, have you? It’s natural to be thinking about what you can expect on the day and how you can ace your interview. Keep reading to find out
by
Ellie Burrows
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
GeneralPublish date
09/27/2024
Summary
Looking to land a job as a waiter or waitress? You’re in the right place! At Greene King, we know that being successful in a waiting job isn’t just about carrying plates - it’s about creating amazi
by
Billie McGibbon