Mental health

The Burnt Chef Support Service

On the 1st February 2021 The Burnt Chef Project launched The Burnt Chef Support Service. A free text based service available 24/7 to anyone involved in hospitality who wishes to talk about their mental health.

​The service is provided by Mental Health Innovations who operate the very successful SHOUT service. 

​Why might someone use The Burnt Chef Support Service?

​There are many reasons why people may get in touch with The Burnt Chef Support Service, and Volunteers will provide 24/7 support and guidance, no matter what the issue.

It supports people experiencing any type of personal mental health concern. It might be that texters feel anxious or stressed, isolated, lonely or grieving. They may be experiencing eating or body issues or substance misuse. Perhaps they have experienced bullying, depression or sadness, or have relationship worries, or self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Sexual, physical or emotional abuse or concerns about sexual identity may also be prompts for texting in.

​Trained volunteers provide texters with empathetic support and techniques to handle future problems, as well as directing them towards longer-term support and/or therapy for their particular concerns. It’s not a one way process: you won’t be told what to do.​

How do I use the service?

To use this free and confidential service just text:

BURNTCHEF to 85258 (UK)

HOME to 741741 (USA & CANADA)

 Anytime day or night and a volunteer will aim to respond within 5 minutes. 

The Kent and Medway Safe Havens

Are you feeling distressed, overwhelmed, or that things are too much for you? Don’t know where to turn to get mental health support?

The Kent and Medway Safe Havens are run by Mental Health Matters and offer face to face mental health support for those living in Kent and Medway to anyone aged 16+. No appointment or referral needed.

The Safe Havens will remain open every day 6pm – 11pm despite Kent now being in Tier 4 and will only be closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. They will also now be offering virtual consultations via “One consultation”. If you are attending any one of the Safe Havens below please ensure you are following government guidelines and attend wearing a face covering.