Blog. CJUK to host ‘Outrageous October’ for Hospitality Action

CJUK, a national chef recruitment company, are hosting a month-long fundraising initiative throughout October to raise money for Hospitality Action.

The company’s staff and members of their chef brigade have joined forces and set themselves a range of challenges to take on for ‘Outrageous October’, from a 10k and a gruelling bike ride through Portugal to a half marathon and a bake sale.

CJUK teamed up with Hospitality Action a few years ago to offer all their candidates a free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). As a result, their chefs have 24 hour access to free advice, counselling, legal support, financial grants and much more.

Katie Mellor, Director of Sales and Operations at CJUK, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting Hospitality Action throughout the month of October and I am really looking forward to the team in the office and our chefs joining forces for a great cause.”

The team chose October as it coincides with causes that are at the heart of the company’s values; ‘National Work-Life Week’ and ‘World Mental Health Day’.

CJUK are striving to address the growing mental health and wellbeing problems across the industry. Long hours and demanding work schedules continue to be very real issues that are impacting the sector, which is why the company is serious about changing the way chefs work by looking at the world from their perspective.

The company’s Charter is a promise to chefs that they will be looked after, whilst adding value through additional benefits such as free high-quality uniforms, invites to events and regular feedback from clients to keep them motivated and challenged in their work.

The company recently helped a longstanding chef, Christian, back into work after a terrible road traffic accident that left him unable to work or drive.

As he could not get to many clients due to having no public transport links, the team helped Christian to get his DBS check through their sister company, Personnel Checks, to enable him to work in care homes and schools which were closer to home and offered flexible working hours.

Christian said: “I can’t put into words how much the team helped me and contacted me on numerous occasions to see how I was after my crash. Working for CJUK has changed my life!”

If you would like to donate, please visit their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cjuk-outrageous-october