Hospitality Hero exists to champion the people who make our industry shine, so in this weeks blog, I wanted to shine a light on Hospitality Action.
They’re one of the chosen charities at the Cheshire East Hospitality Association Awards this October, which I’m involved in, and it felt right to use our platform to celebrate the safety net that catches our own.
Hospitality Action are there for chefs, bartenders, housekeepers, porters, managers, across hotels, restaurants, pubs, cafés, schools, hospitals and event venues, whenever life gets tough.
They’re there for our people at every stage: urgent grants when the rent or fuel bill can’t wait; a 24/7 helpline and counselling when life overwhelms; and a sector-specific Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that now wraps around roughly 195,000 employees across nearly 500 hospitality businesses, with usage rising as teams reach out about stress, finances and relationships.
In 2024 alone the EAP advice line handled 7,938 calls, up 25% year on year, backed by an app, monthly wellbeing webinars, manager resources and even trauma support after critical incidents.
For older colleagues, HA’s Golden Friends programme is a lifeline against loneliness. It’s designed for retired members of our industry, those who laid the foundations we stand on.
Golden Friends receive regular newsletters (6,384 posted last year), birthday and Christmas cards (over 4,000), seasonal vouchers (£13,985 at Christmas), and “in-the-moment” support through a dedicated helpline.
There’s also a befriending scheme, more than 750 calls made last year, so someone checks in, listens and brightens the day. And their Winter Fuel Grants step in when heating costs bite, support no one should have to worry about.
As Mark Lewis, CEO of Hospitality Action, told us: “We are honoured to be one of the nominated charities at the Cheshire East Hospitality People Awards. Hospitality is at the heart of Cheshire East’s visitor economy, and the awards will shine a well-deserved spotlight on the individuals whose passion, commitment and talent make our industry thrive. This support will enable Hospitality Action to continue our vital work while recognising the outstanding stars of hospitality in the region.”
Our region is powered by hospitality, teams who welcome, serve, create memories and keep local economies alive. The support Hospitality Action provides isn’t abstract; it lands right here at home.
In 2024, 9.7% of the people they supported were in the North West, a timely reminder that behind every percentage point is a colleague, a neighbour, a friend.
Another reason we’re proud to back them: Hospitality Action doesn’t receive government funding.
Every helpline call answered, every counselling session delivered, every urgent grant issued is made possible by the generosity of businesses, teams and guests who care about the people behind the pass.
From “Invisible Chips” on menus to optional £1 add-ons to the bill, cookbooks and events like Cheshire East Hospitality People Awards.
So when you see Hospitality Action at the Cheshire East Hospitality People Awards, or anywhere for that matter, know that your applause, your donation, or your decision to explore their EAP for your team all flow straight into real outcomes for real people, right across the UK.
This is what we mean when we say “save hospitality so hospitality saves us.”
Let’s celebrate our stars and strengthen the net beneath them, together.
If you know someone from our industry who could use a friendly voice, a small grant to bridge a tough month, or the simple dignity of being remembered at Christmas, point them to Hospitality Action.
This is hospitality at its most powerful, taking care of the people who take care of everyone else.
