CHARITY: MENTAL HEALTH COURSES.
We use commitment to the burger to raise money and awareness for a number of charities close to our hearts. Since 2018 we have raised over £50,000 and trained close to 60 individuals in Mental Health First Aid.
FOR MARK.
In memory of our founder Zan's brother Mark, who tragically died in April 2017, Bleecker work closely with selected charities to help support and build awareness around mental health and addiction.
"My brother Mark worked his entire life in hospitality. From being a room service runner to managing restaurants, it was what he liked to do and where he fitted in. He spent a summer at Bleecker too. Mark was charming and funny and had a talent for commanding the attention of a room. He loved his maître d’ role, where he was especially popular with the older ladies of Miami Beach.
Mark suffered from mental illness and addiction. In April 2017, he overdosed and passed away at 35 years of age. Hospitality accepted Mark when other fields wouldn’t. It allowed him to stay himself whilst still struggling with this disease. For this I am grateful.
CHANGING HORIZONS.
Changing Horizons' was founded by Stu Skinner; a long-serving campaigner, consultant and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Stu has worked on government campaigns, featured in BBC documentaries and worked extensively to challenge the stigma that causes so many to suffer in silence. Stu firmly believes that everyone has the right to a good quality of life and that conversations are the catalyst for change.
Changing Horizons provide in-house training to support and help you to improve the mental health of your organisation.
The funds raised on March 1st will be used to deliver as many two-day Mental Health First Aid training courses as possible to people working in hospitality, including Bleecker staff and street-food market KERB’s network of traders, to seed the training within the industry which Mark Kaufman loved.
NEXT SESSIONS.
COURSE FAQ.
Are these courses free?
Whilst they are free for individuals, the cost to run a course is £3,500. Bleecker's charity events throughout the year cover this cost for employees within hospitality to attend.
Will my boss approve my time off?
Whilst we can't answer that, Bleecker are happy to speak to your company and go through the benefits of attending the course directly.
I'm self-employed and can't afford to take unpaid time off, can my time be covered?
There is a small pot dedicated to helping individuals. Please apply for the course you'd like to attend and request a grant with Bleecker for this.