A grassroots crowdfunded project will teach mental health first aid in 16 different pubs across London.

The Compass Project, run in partnership with Kelly’s Cause Foundation, aim to tackle the “growing mental health crisis in the hospitality industry”, starting at the Queen’s Arms in Orford Road, Walthamstow.

Founder, David Paulin, said: “While most other workplaces have put strategies in place to combat this, the hospitality industry is being left behind, particularly worrying because of its demands: four out of five workers report increased stress and one in five have mental health issues as a direct response of their job.

“Research shows that just under 50 per cent of hospitality workers believe that their company has no mental health support in place and 40 per cent of workers have never spoken to anyone at work about their mental health issues. These statistics, along with the long hours worked, beg the question: who are hospitality workers speaking to about their mental health problems?”

The Compass Project will train one full time member of staff as a mental health first aider, to serve both the kitchen and front of house staff in 16 pubs across the capital.

The mental health first aid course provides participants with an in-depth understanding of mental health. Participants learn to spot the signs of different mental health issues including depression, anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders, and drug and alcohol misuse.

Mental health first aiders will also gain an understanding of the correct place to guide someone to for further support.

All workers at the 16 pubs will also be invited to a mental health workshop.

A fundraiser for the project will be held at The Queen's Arms on January 26, with arts nad musicians. There will be a fee on the door and a raffle.