Guild Members Invite: Tūn Brewing and The Burnt Chef Project Unite for Mental Health Awareness Week Event in Manchester

On 11th May, to kick off Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, Tūn Brewing is partnering with The Burnt Chef Project to highlight the struggles of mental health issues, especially for hospitality workers.

Tūn Brewing's founder Richard Alston is a psychiatrist by training, and he has spent years observing the complexities of this country's drinking culture. Brewing has been a part of Richard's life since his teenage years, when he first discovered the joy of creating beer. More recently, he revisited it as a creative outlet during his own mental health challenges. Brewing offered him a sense of fulfilment and focus, and it reignited his long-held dream of opening a microbrewery, which he has now realised with Tūn Brewing Company.

Richard Alston, founder of Tūn Brewing, said: "From both personal experience and my work as a psychiatrist, I've seen how important it is to have something grounding during difficult periods, and how stigma can stop people seeking help early. For me, brewing became that outlet. More broadly, we know that simple social connection — talking and feeling part of a community — is one of the most important protective factors for mental health; bars and pubs have traditionally been places where that happens naturally.

"That's what makes hospitality such a powerful industry, but it also comes with real pressures. At Tūn, we believe beer should bring people together in a positive way, and that includes being honest about these challenges. By partnering with The Burnt Chef Project, we hope to encourage more open conversations and help create a healthier, more supportive culture for the people who make this industry what it is."

4 out of 5 hospitality professionals report having experienced at least one mental health issue during their career. The Burnt Chef Project is a globally recognised not-for-profit Social Enterprise, fully committed to making the hospitality profession healthier and more sustainable by prioritising people's wellbeing through free support structures and awareness campaigns.

Matt Loughrey, Partnerships & Community Manager at The Burnt Chef Project, said: "Our partnership with Tūn Brewing Company began through their support of our annual golf day and Burnt Brunch series, and it’s fantastic to see that relationship continue to grow. We’re proud to be part of their Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 event, where our team will share more about the work we do, how we support the hospitality industry, and how others can get involved. It’s a real privilege to speak to such a passionate and engaged community across Manchester and the North West."

The event takes place on 11th May at Strange Brew in Chorlton, Manchester, with free entry and a free half (or non-alcoholic equivalent) for all hospitality workers on presentation of a pay slip. Doors open at 6pm, with talks beginning at 7pm.

Event Details

• Where: Strange Brew, 370 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 8AZ

• Date: Sunday 11th May 2026

• Doors open: 6pm | Talks begin: 7pm | End: 10pm

• Free entry; free half pint (or non-alcoholic equivalent) for hospitality workers on presentation of a pay slip

About Tūn Brewing Co.

Tūn Brewing Co. is a microbrewery founded by Richard Alston, a psychiatrist who found brewing to be a meaningful creative outlet during his own mental health challenges. The brewery's ethos centres on drinking with purpose — to connect, to celebrate, and to savour — fostering healthier habits and deeper enjoyment. All beers are vegan-friendly and gluten-free. Socials: @tunbrewing.

About The Burnt Chef Project

The Burnt Chef Project is a global non-profit social enterprise dedicated to improving mental health and well-being within the hospitality industry. Founded in 2019, the organisation delivers workplace training, mental health education, global support services, and community-led initiatives, providing free access to support tools and resources to ensure help is available to those who need it most.

For more information:

Amelie, Tipple Marketing

Email: press@tipplemarketing.com

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