Prioritising Mental Health

Prioritising Mental Health: Why We Believe in Mental Health First Aid at Cedar Court Hotels

At Cedar Court Hotels, we believe that a great hospitality experience starts with a great team. Looking after our people isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential to creating the warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences our guests expect. That’s why we’re proud to support Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, not just for our own teams, but for the wider business and hospitality community.

This year, we’re hosting Mental Health First Aid courses at Cedar Court Harrogate in April and Cedar Court Bradford in May, led by Becki Maud at Being Hospitality. These courses equip individuals with the skills to recognise, understand, and support mental health challenges in the workplace and beyond. We’re delighted to provide a space for these vital sessions, knowing how much impact they can have on individuals and businesses alike.

We’ve seen the benefits firsthand. Across our own hotels, we now have 15 trained Mental Health First Aiders, all of whom completed their training with Becki. They’re not counsellors or therapists, but they are trained to spot the signs when a colleague might be struggling, to listen, and to guide them toward the right support. This isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about building a culture where people feel safe, supported, and valued.

In an industry that thrives on people-first service, we recognise that looking after each other is just as important as looking after our guests. Hospitality can be fast-paced and high-pressure, and without the right support systems in place, it’s easy for challenges to go unnoticed. By embedding Mental Health First Aid into our business, we’re reinforcing a commitment to wellbeing, teamwork, and resilience.

For businesses considering training their teams, the benefits are clear:

  • Stronger workplace support – A team that understands mental health can better support each other and create a healthier, more connected work environment.
  • Better guest experiences – A happy, well-supported team delivers exceptional service.
  • Increased awareness and confidence – People feel more comfortable speaking about mental health and seeking help when they need it.
  • A culture of care – Mental health is just as important as physical health, and addressing it openly helps break the stigma.

We’re incredibly proud to champion initiatives like this, ensuring that hospitality remains an industry where people can thrive, not just survive. If you or your business are interested in becoming part of this movement, we encourage you to explore the upcoming courses at Cedar Court Harrogate and Bradford.

Because at Cedar Court, we truly believe that happy teams make happy guest experiences.

 

To book your space go to mhfaengland.org/course-booking or email becki@beinghospitality.co.uk

Available Dates:
Cedar Court Hotel Harrogate: Wednesday 9th & Thursday 10th April 2025
Cedar Court Hotel Bradford: Wednesday 21st & Thursday 22nd May 2025