The Drinks Trust Launches New Support Line Campaign for Mental Health Awareness Week

The Drinks Trust, the UK’s drinks industry charity, has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the vital services available through its 24/7 confidential Support Line, with a particular focus on the key challenges affecting those working across the sector.

Launching at the start of Mental Health Awareness Week, the campaign highlights four critical issues currently facing the drinks industry workforce: financial hardship, mental health challenges, pressures on families, and redundancy – through the inner thoughts of industry individuals represented in the campaign.

Nicky Burston, CEO of The Drinks Trust, said: “This new campaign has been created with our industry colleagues at its heart, ensuring they always know they can turn to us for support. Professional counsellors staff our confidential Support Line. Moreover, through The Drinks Trust, colleagues facing difficult times can also access up to 6 free counselling sessions.”

The campaign launches amid mounting pressure across the hospitality and drinks sectors. Recent reports indicate that two-thirds of hospitality businesses plan to reduce staff numbers due to rising operational costs, including higher business rates and higher wage bills. Data from the British Beer and Pub Association reveals that almost two pubs per day closed across Britain in the first quarter of 2026. Mental Health UK’s Burnout Report 2026 shows that 63% of UK employees are now experiencing signs of burnout, up from 51% just two years earlier.

Nicky Burston added: “What we are experiencing currently as an industry is something quite unprecedented, and the constant pressure on our colleagues is now taking a real toll on their lives and health. We are seeing too many people suffering in silence, and it’s our responsibility as an industry charity to encourage anyone to please reach out for any difficulty they might be experiencing. Our Support Line is here, available 24/7, completely confidential, and staffed by trained, qualified professionals who can assist you at any stage of your life. Please don’t suffer in silence, we are always here to help you.”

The Drinks Trust’s Support Line is available 24/7 and provides immediate, professional and confidential support to anyone who works or has worked in the industry, regardless of the length of service. Anyone working in the drinks and hospitality industry can contact the Support Line by:

• Calling: 0800 9154610

• Emailing: supportline@drinkstrust.org.uk

• WhatsApp: message “Hi” to 07418 360 780

About The Drinks Trust

The Drinks Trust is a trade charity providing financial assistance, emotional support, and opportunity for growth to drinks industry people. Its aim is to alleviate hardship, improve the wellbeing of colleagues, and support their professional development. For more information visit www.drinkstrust.org.uk

For more information:

Alessandra Brugola, Head of Marketing and Communications, The Drinks Trust

Email: alessandra@drinkstrust.org.uk

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