Blog. Spotlight on: Ceri Gott.

How long have you been aware of Hospitality Action, and why are you so passionate about it?

In 2017, hospitality workers were violently attacked in Borough Market. It was unbelievable horror for people in London, and our industry. My first phone call was to Hospitality Action. Someone was on site two days later, running trauma counselling for teams - both in English and French - holding a light in a terribly dark time. 

Then there are the individual stories - the immediate grant to a kitchen porter and parent, facing the sudden loss of his wife. Funding proper prosthetics for a restaurant manager, Tatiana, who contracted blood poisoning on holiday and lost both her legs - giving her back the thing she'd missed most, dancing. Last year Hospitality Action supported 33 women in our industry escaping domestic abuse and prevented another 45 from becoming homeless. The reality is that people walk into brick walls. Hospitality Action are the industry’s fourth emergency service - they are there when things don’t go to plan.  

What inspired you to become a trustee of our charity? 

So many people are carrying invisible burdens. 1 in 2 adults has struggled with debt. 1 in 4 with mental health. Nearly half of UK adults - 23 million - with addiction or watching someone close do so. Over 1 in 4 women consider leaving their job because of menopause symptoms. 1 in 5 people in hospitality are living in poverty: that’s 600,000. 

These are the people in our teams, whether we are aware of their struggles or not. And Hospitality Action are there for them 24/7 365 days a year, in confidence. 

At Hawksmoor I had a duty of care for thousands of people over the years - I know how much they sometimes carry - it’s up to all of us to create an environment that equips everyone to thrive. People in our industry put so much of themselves into work, it is only right that they get support in return when they need it.   

Hospitality is such an incredible industry to be part of - full of energy, creativity, genuine care for making people happy - Hospitality Action have been putting their arms around it for 189 years. I want to contribute to that.  

What would success look like during your time as a trustee? 

Last year, Hospitality Action gave people in our industry £1.05 million in cash grants - benefiting 825 households - and helped liberate another £500,000 in unclaimed benefits. Through the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) they answered over 8,000 calls and delivered almost 3,000 counselling sessions.  

This year they want to give more money to more people who need it and more support through their EAP. I want to help them do it. 

Hospitality is the art of welcoming everyone and making them feel looked after. Success is looking after everyone who makes that possible - the people who power the industry.  

That means more people knowing that Hospitality Action are there for them and how to access it. And more employers signing up to the EAP - it’s win win - a resilient team is the foundation for a resilient business.  

What would you say to someone in our industry who may be struggling and unsure whether to seek support? 

Life is tough with its highs and lows - none of us come equipped with a manual to get it all right. So we all struggle sometimes and need help. You don't have to be at breaking point to speak to someone.  

Hospitality Action are there for anything troubling you - money, family, addiction, mental health, conflict at work - any time, day or night. When one of my children struggled with anxiety after Covid, like so many families I have spoken to, I called them myself. It’s a chance to speak to someone, in confidence, who is trained to support and resource you. You don’t have to carry your burden alone - sharing it can lighten the load.