Frequently Asked Questions

WellWeek is a city-wide collaboration to raise awareness of mental illness and spark conversations about suicide prevention. This initiative was created to combat the social bias around depression that may be preventing affected individuals from seeking help. The Food and Beverage industry is particularly suited to make an impact - as the public gathers to eat and drink, we provide menu offerings and visual cues to promote and normalize conversation about mental health, self care, and checking in with our loved ones.

After a summer of high-profile suicides in 2018, we were compelled to move beyond just shaking our heads in sorrow from loss, to action and efforts to reverse shocking statistics on suicide and depression across the country. Our industry is also realizing that we in hospitality are at higher risk for mental illness, substance abuse, and mental health crisis.

The camaraderie that exists among restaurant and bar staff is often juxtaposed with a stressful work environment, long hours, and easy access to alcohol. Our very public role of caring and nourishing our guests is ironically associated with a working class that neglects its own care and is by and large under-insured.

We need to take a look at our industry and learn how to to support our coworkers, friends, and employees, even as we tap into our ability to help change perceptions about mental illness for the public at large.

Short answer: we’re getting involved because we must.

Every May and October, we offer industry-specific mental health awareness training sessions, tailored for management and staff.

Additionally, since Every Week is WellWeek - we offer food and beverage workers 1:1 counseling sessions, peer support groups, and programs throughout the year to promote health and mental health, all cost free.